Making the choice

By Peggy Armstrong, Lindsay Post Reporter

July 21, 2009

Ever looked at your kids and wondered how well they would take care of you? What if you don’t have kids, who would you trust with your life?

Now is the time to find out.

Three documents will give other people control over your money, your personal care and, potentially, the circumstances of your death. They are the continuing power of attorney for property, power of attorney for personal care, and a do not resuscitate (DNR) order.

In a series of three articles, The Lindsay Post will examine each one and through expert advice help readers navigate potential pitfalls and red flags. This is the first in the series that will continue on Friday.

KAWARTHA LAKES – Imagine handing over every aspect of your finances and property to someone else and closing your eyes while they manage them.

That’s essentially what you have to do in choosing a power of attorney (POA).

The Substitution Decisions Act of 1992 codifies that a power of attorney must:

– exercise reasonable care

– not obtain secret profits

– be accountable

– not allow his personal interests to conflict with those of the donor

– not make, change or revoke the will of the donor

Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-7323

Haliburton Kawartha Lakes Elder Abuse Prevention Network 705-324-7323

Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee 1-800-668-9938 or 416-326-5300

Coming up on Friday: The Power of Attorney for Personal Care

(A very worthwhile series to follow ………AC)

Abridged

SOURCE: Lindsay Daily Post

By Eve Glicksman

Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

Older adults may face a higher risk of getting treated improperly. They may be frail and unable to stand up for themselves. Some don’t think as clearly as they used to. Or they may depend on others to manage their bills.

All these things can open the door for people to take advantage of seniors. This could include physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, neglect or financial scams. Sometimes it is the result of a caregiver facing extra stress, but this is still not a reason to abuse you.

If you are a senior, don’t let yourself be a target. Protect yourself from being abused in these ways:

Discovery Bay caretaker arrested in death of elderly man

By Robert Salonga
Contra Costa Times

07/20/2009

A live-in caretaker was arrested after an elderly man was found dead in his home and his wife was hospitalized because of heat-related ailments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said.

Investigators suspect that the woman, who has been caring for the wife for less than a year, did not turn on the home’s air conditioning in 100-degree weather, said sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Lee.

Sheriff’s deputies went to a home in the 1200 block of Discovery Bay Boulevard about 11:15 p.m. Saturday, where an elderly man was reported as not breathing. Firefighters and an ambulance were already there and George Brim, 90, was pronounced dead in an upstairs bedroom. His 85-year-old wife, Shirley Brim, was hospitalized with heat-related ailments.

While an investigation is in its early stages, Lee said it was apparent to investigators that the air conditioning in the home, which was to be monitored by the caretaker, had not been turned on in some time. The windows of the bedroom where the man was found dead were closed when emergency crews arrived.