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The Alberta AGTA is new law that came into force on October 30, 2009. It replaced the 30-year-old Dependent Adults Act (DAA). When an adult needs assistance making decisions, the AGTA provides a variety of options that range from having a person provide some help in making decisions to having a person take over the decision-making completely. The exact options depend on the kinds of decisions being made.
Here we have a conversation with lawyer, Doris Bonora. It is one of several videos in this session where we find out what legal and financial documents need to be prepared and what needs to be done to ensure the concerns and wishes of the person living with dementia are met.
In this video, Doris offers some general information about the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act (AGTA). For specific, detailed legal advice, it is important to consult with a lawyer directly.
The Alberta Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act
A Will is a legal statement of a person’s last wishes about how to divide his or her property after death. The property that is distributed as per the instructions in a Will is known as the “estate”. When you make a Will, you are known as the testator. The person you put in charge of carrying out your wishes as expressed in the Will is called an Personal Representative.
Here we have a conversation with lawyer, Doris Bonora. It is one of several videos in this session where we find out what legal and financial documents need to be prepared and what needs to be done to ensure the concerns and wishes of the person living with dementia are met.
In this video, Doris explains the importance of a Last Will and Testament.
Feel free to make some notes as you listen.
In Alberta, and in every province in Canada, a Will must be in writing. Consult a lawyer early about making a Will. He or she has a lot of expertise that you can call upon in matters like tax consequences, international matters, trusts, making suitable arrangements for young children, and many other issues.
Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CLPEA): Wills & Estates
Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CLPEA): Being a Personal Representative
A Personal Directive is a legal document where you can write out your instructions and/or possibly name an individual —an agent—to decide on personal matters if, due to injury or illness, you can no longer make personal choices.
A Personal Directive deals with personal matters only, such as where you live and the medical treatment you will receive. The Enduring Power of Attorney deals with financial matters. (Learn more about an Enduring Power of Attorney in part 3 of this session).
Here we have a conversation with lawyer, Doris Bonora. It is one of several videos in this session where we find out what legal and financial documents need to be prepared and what needs to be done to ensure the concerns and wishes of the person living with dementia are met.
In this video, Doris explains the importance of Personal Directives.
Feel free to make some notes as you listen.
As the disease progresses, your substitute decision-maker (or agent) will have to make decisions about your care. For most people, making decisions on behalf of another person is difficult. By talking to your decision-maker now about the level of care you wish in the future, you will make those choices easier for your care partner. You will also have the comfort of knowing that your future care will be in good hands.
Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CLPEA): planning for future care
Personal Directives form, Government of Alberta – Office of Public Guardian
Compassionate Alberta: Personal Directives
Decision-making and respecting independence
An Enduring Power of Attorney is called "enduring" because it continues to protect and manage a person's affairs even after they lose capacity and carries on while they are incapacitated. This ensures that their wishes and needs are respected and taken care of, providing peace of mind during difficult times.
Here, we have a conversation with the lawyer, Doris Bonora. It is one of four videos in this session that explain what legal and financial documents need to be prepared and what needs to be done to ensure the concerns and wishes of the person living with dementia are met.
In this video, Doris explains the importance of an Enduring Power of Attorney.
Feel free to make some notes as you listen.
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An Enduring Power of Attorney deals with financial matters. The primary purpose of a Personal Directive is to name someone to make personal decisions for you, such as where you will live and the medical treatment you will receive.
Learn more about Personal Directives under part 4 of this session.
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Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CLPEA): planning for future care
Government of Alberta – Office of Public Guardian: Enduring power of attorney
Decision making and respecting independence
All About Me: booklet designed for people living with dementia to help them create a record of their background and what is important to them
This session includes the following parts:
Part 1: What is Advance Care Planning
Part 2: Future Planning: Legal and Financial Considerations
Part 3: Enduring Power of Attorney
Part 4: Personal Directives
Part 5: Last Will and Testament
Part 6: Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act (AGTA)
Part 7: Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada (2023)
Part 8: Questions for Reflection
Part 9: Questions Others Have Asked
Summary
Work through the various parts in the session at your leisure. Move from one part to another at your own pace and in the order that makes sense to you, based on your own needs and interests.
At any time, you may scroll to the Search bar and type a specific question or topic to learn more.
Click on the image below to download and print a brief self-reflection activity sheet. The purpose of this tool is to help you think about what you have learned and to provide a space for you to document some of your thoughts and ideas for moving forward.
Providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias takes a tremendous toll on the physical and emotional health of the primary care partner, yet many care partners often don't recognize the warning signs or may not acknowledge its effects on their health.
You may tend to set your own needs aside while caring for the person with dementia and you may hope that if you don't think about it, the stress might just go away.
Imagine that you have been given a gift of TIME. How wonderful! Some time for yourself to take care of YOU. How would you spend this time for your own personal enjoyment and pleasure?
Download and print a copy of the activity sheet below. Reflect on and answer the questions.
Download and print a copy of the activity sheet below. Reflect on and answer the questions.
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No matter how the disease affects the person, it is important to treat her with dignity and respect. Although certain abilities will be lost, her emotions and feelings will remain, as will the need for companionship and belonging.
Take some time to think about and plan for activities and interactions that bring a sense of joy and celebration. Focus on the abilities that remain. This will go a long way in adding quality of life and will help you to maintain a meaningful life together.
Download and print a copy of the activity sheet below. Reflect on and answer the questions:
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At any time, you may scroll to the Search bar at the top of the page and type a specific question or topic.
Click on the icon below to download and print a brief self-reflection activity sheet. The purpose of this tool is to help you think about what you have learned and to provide a space for you to document some of your thoughts and ideas for moving forward.
Christine Bryden was a top civil servant and single mother of three children when she was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 46. “Dancing with Dementia' is a vivid account of her experiences of living with dementia, exploring the effects of memory problems, loss of independence, difficulties in communication and the exhaustion of coping with simple tasks.
Here are two audio files from Christine's book. Take a few minutes to listen to her words as she shares from the perspective of a person living with dementia. Feel free to make some notes as you listen.
After you listen to the audio files, take a few minutes to reflect on the following questions. Feel free to make some notes.
To continue your learning experience, move ahead to Session 5 where we'll explore the issues and changes faced by people in the middles stages of dementia.
The Alzheimer Society in your community can provide educational resources to help you learn more about the disease, referrals to help you access the practical support you need, and one-on-one and group support to help you cope with the emotional impact of the disease. Contact your local Alzheimer Society today.
Note: This online version of the Seeds of Hope Family Learning Series provides guidance but it is not intended to replace the advice of a health care professional. Consult your health care provider about changes in the person's condition, or if you have questions or concerns.
