Legal Considerations for Commencing Professional At Home Care in Halifax and the Surrounding Areas of Nova Scotia

Learn more about what legal considerations your need to be aware of when planning at home care for a loved one

One inseparable aspect of planning facilitated or at home care for a loved one is resolving their legal issues before initiating care. Estate planning is perhaps the most common legal issue that comes to mind in relation to the elderly, but there is so much more to consider such as living wills, powers of attorney, instructions pertaining to life-sustaining treatments, and other complex legal affairs.

This article will help you get familiar with the essential legal documents, health information, and other considerations you need to address prior to relocating your parent, scheduling professional at home care, or making other critical life decisions.

However, bear in mind it might be best to consult with a lawyer to learn more about specific laws in your province. Additional information on important legal matters of elder law can be found on The Canadian Bar Association site.

Advance Health Care Directives also known as Living Wills

These legal documents specify your loved one’s wishes regarding long-term care preferences and medical interventions.

There are two types of advance directives:

• A living will – Consists of instructions for health care treatments that should be provided.
• A durable power of attorney for health care – Appoints a person who can make decisions on the senior’s behalf should they become incapacitated.

Wills and Trusts

Wills allow individuals to declare who inherits their assets and personal possessions, preventing legal problems and conflicts for family once they are gone. When a person dies without leaving a will, their assets are typically distributed according to applicable law.

Trusts come in several types and can have different purposes. They can be used to avoid probate, to help care for a dependent family member, or to assist in estate and tax planning.

Power of Attorney

This document usually provides legal authority to a specific family member, allowing them to make financial decisions instead of a loved one. When it comes to long-term care or at home care decisions, your Mom or Dad can name someone in a power of attorney for personal care.

Collecting Important Information

Keeping your loved one’s important papers and documents well-organized and stored in one place can be of immense help in the event of a medical emergency. It might be a good idea to keep essential information and the location of key documents written down in a notebook.

Contact Comfort Keepers at 902-446-4545 for additional information about legal considerations or our customized at home care services in Halifax, NS.