This service of the Kerby Centre for the 55 Plus in Calgary focuses on providing answers and solving problems. Information is available on topics such as pensions, legal issues, government services, grants, home help, consumer affairs, transportation, congratulatory messages, and much more.
Are you or someone you love over 55 years old? There are legal issues of particular concern to older adults or seniors.
Gathered on this page are resources that were developed with you in mind. But there may be general resources that are also appropriate.
See the section Learn More About...or search the list of all legal topics to find other relevant information.
CPLEA Suggested Resources
Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.
Alberta Resources
This is a series of publications developed with funding from Employment and Social Development Canada. The multimedia resource package is focused on increasing the knowledge and awareness of how intermediaries can use the law to prevent and reduce elder abuse. (Resources are available in English and French)
This collection of links to provincial and federal resources is provided by the Government of Alberta and is organized into the following categories: for Retirement; Pensions and Retirement; Health-Related Benefits and Assistance; Housing Supports and Initiatives; Government Programs and Services for Seniors; Staying Healthy and Active after 65; Motor Vehicle Safety; Transferring Personal Authority and Writing a Will; and Organizations and Activities.
This handbook from Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre provides information on a range of legal subjects of interest to seniors (people who are 65 years of age and older). It is written in “plain English” and is intended as a basic resource for seniors, their friends, relatives and advocates. In a question-answer format, the handbook provides an overview of issues facing seniors, including abuse, mental health, guardianship and trusteeship, personal directives, powers of attorney and consumer protection. Includes a glossary and list of senior-serving agencies in Alberta. (PDF - 150 pages, 2010)
Canada/Federal
Published by Canadian Centre for Elder Law, this comprehensive resource includes snapshots of the law in each of the thirteen provinces and territories, a comparative table that allows for quick reference, a set of guiding principles for working with vulnerable adults, and sections that discuss mandatory report ing of abuse and neglect, rules around confidentiality of personal and health information, and the relationship between mental capacity and elder abuse. The guide also contains a lengthy list of resource agencies. This PDF (71 pages, 2010) is available for free download.
Created by the BC Law Institute, the Canadian Centre for Elder Law is a national, non-profit body dedicated to exploring the particular legal issues which affect older Canadians through research, law reform, and education. CCEL has published plain language materials on these topics targeting health care practitionners, non-profit organizations, and the general public.
This website has information about elder abuse, with brochures and videos on these topics: What You Can Do When Abuse or Neglect Is Happening to an Older Adult in Your Life, How You Can Identify Abuse and Help Older Adults at Risk, and What You Can Do to Keep Yourself Safe from Abuse
How is Your Legal Health? The goal of the Legal Health Checks is to encourage people to recognize legal problems early, and to take action when problems are identified. For lawyers, these materials are a way to start conversations with people about the law, how to get legal help and how to work effectively with a lawyer. Topics include:
Seniors Canada is a fast and straightforward way for seniors, their families, caregivers and organizations that support them to access authoritative and trusted information provided by governments and well known non-government organizations. Information included the site: consumer protection, wills and estates, divorce, and other legal matters.
Advance care planning is a process of reflection and communication, a time for you to reflect on your values and wishes, and to let others know your future health and personal care preferences in the event that you become incapable of consenting to or refusing treatment or other care. This website will help you to create an advance care plan that will document your wishes to be followed in the event you cannot speak for yourself. This website also gives information to caregivers, family, and friends helping to create an advance care plan for you. There is a Tool kit for community organizations; ACP planning resources; and Workbooks for all jurisdictions.
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