Seniors

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 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.

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Supportive living and seniors’ housing, Wills and estates

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)

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Wills and estates

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.

Related legal topic(s): Health issues, Pensions, Supportive living and seniors’ housing, Wills and estates

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)

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Family law general resources, Family violence general resources, Guardianship and trusteeship

SAGE is a full service not-for-profit seniors’ organization whose mandate is to build and maintain a broad range of programs and services that enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families in the greater Edmonton area. With over 37 years of experience, SAGE is regarded as a major provider of innovative seniors’ services in the capital region. Sage provides a variety of services and programs which include: legal information, elder abuse resources, financial and estate planning, scam / fraud prevention, and housing options to mention just a few.
Related legal topic(s): Advocacy, Affordable housing, Elder abuse, Guardianship and trusteeship, Supportive living and seniors’ housing

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.

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Legal process, Relationship violence

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.

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Guardianship and trusteeship, Research reports and institutes, Supportive living and seniors’ housing, Wills and estates

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

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Family violence general resources

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:

Related legal topic(s): Divorce and separation, Family law general resources, Legal services, Self-representation

NICE is an international network of researchers, practitioners and students dedicated to improving the care of older adults, both in Canada and abroad.
Related legal topic(s): Advocacy, Elder abuse

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.

Related legal topic(s): Disabilities, Driving, Elder abuse, Federal government departments, Health issues, Pensions, Supportive living and seniors’ housing, Wills and estates

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.

Related legal topic(s): Guardianship and trusteeship, Wills and estates

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