Members of the Central Alberta Council on Aging met on Tuesday, September 3 at the Golden Circle Seniors Resource Centre in Red Deer to hear a presentation on wills, powers of attorney and personal directives.

 Yoshio Sumiya, a Lawyer with the Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic, Red Deer, discussed two resource booklets available from the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta, “Making a Will” and “Making a Power of Attorney”.

Glenna Thompson, from the Office of the Public Guardian, Red Deer, and a director of the Central Alberta Council on Aging, presented some of the do’s and don’ts to consider when preparing a personal directive. She stressed how important it is for everyone – not just seniors – to have their wishes documented in a personal directive. The Office of the Public Guardian is available to assist persons in completing these documents.

The presentations were well received by the 70 members in attendance, prompting many questions and much discussion throughout the morning. The attendees were encouraged to follow-up, and have these documents completed.

Submitted by Ron Rose

The Office of the Public Guardian’s Personal Directive Info