It is estimated that by the year 2020 – 1 in 4 people will be diagnosed with cognitive related issues under the Alzheimer’s umbrella. The onset of cognitive decline may be slow and progressive or rapid and unexpected. The Alzheimer’s Society advocates “Speak Up” – get your affairs in order now. I have adapted this information in the context of prepaid funeral pre-planning. The question I pose to you is: If you are not of mental capacity – then who will make your funeral pre-arrangements for you?
Ideally, prior to cognitive decline the individual has drafted valid Powers of Attorney for Property. With this document the named Power of Attorney for Property has the authority to arrange and fund the prepaid funeral arrangements. For example, I am working with a son on behalf of his mom who has Alzheimer’s and his Dad who is physically not able to meet at the funeral home. Further, the father does not want me to meet him in his home, nor does he want to be involved in the funeral arrangements. He has left this responsibility to his son.
The son has POA for property for his father and the funds are coming from the father’s accounts. As such the son is authorized to act as the purchaser for his father’s and mother’s prepaid funeral arrangements. This is quite a responsibility.
But what if…..?
It is so important to set things up the way you want ahead of time. We do not know what the future holds and to see families struggle through the logistics of funeral pre-planning when their spouse, partner or parent’s has dementia is heart breaking. Taking the time to set things up ahead of time puts you in control. I would love the opportunity to explore this with you.
If you have been diagnosed with or are living with loved ones dealing with Alzheimers, I recently become aware of a powerful documentary called ‘Alive Inside‘. This stirring documentary follows social worker Dan Cohen, as he fights against a broken healthcare system to demonstrate music’s ability to combat memory loss. I thought I would share this powerful message with you. Please take a moment to view this trailer for the documentary.
There is a screening of the full documentary taking place on Thursday, January 22nd in Burlington, Ontario. For more details, please click here.
I welcome your feedback and your questions. You can connect with me via telephone or email, leave a comment right here on the site, or click the contact tab at the bottom of the screen if you are reading this post on the website. I look forward to connecting with you.
Until next time,
Kat
With the advent of social media, it is so much easier to get messages out to many people quickly. This can be a good thing, and it can also backfire quickly. When a person dies and this person is not your immediate family member, is it your news to tell first that the person died? I don’t think it is. Here are 3 reasons why.
In the Province of Ontario regulations, the Ontario Disability Support Payment (ODSP) is a monthly payment, paid out to people who are found to be a “person with a disability” as defined under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act. A person with a disability is someone who has a substantial physical or mental impairment that is continuous or recurrent and is expected to last a year or more. The physical or mental impairment must directly result in a substantial restriction in the person’s ability to work, take care of his or her self, or take part in community life. Additionally, the Province of Ontario regulations state that the impairment(s), its’ duration, and the restriction(s) must also be verified by an approved health care professional. Are you concerned about protecting this payment? 
In honour of Remembrance Day, I thought I would share this article from The Bugler that was published in 2011. There are still many people who are not aware of this Canadian and Allied Veteran Funeral and Burial Program, which the 
This weekend I was at the 
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A while back a gentleman called me and said: “I want that travel thing you have.” I thanked him for calling, and I was thrilled that he knew about “that travel thing.” I suggested that I meet with him to explain the benefits of the 
An adult son called me today asking about what he could do and how to start organizing his mother’s affairs. His mom now has advanced Alzheimer’s and before her cognitive decline she drafted a valid Power of Attorney for Property and Personal Care and a valid Will. Here are my suggestions for 10 ways to save your estate $1000s of dollars if you act now. 
Over the weekend a friend contacted me to let me know that his wife’s memorial visiting and service was this week. I was in shock. I hadn’t seen them in a year or so and I couldn’t believe it when he told me she died while on holiday in Italy. On top of the shock, he relayed part of the logistical, financial and nightmare dealing with the authorities in Italy. Here is his story. How would you deal with your loved one dying away from home? 
Have you ever wondered how you would pay for a funeral? I am sure you have heard that funerals are expensive – right? Not necessarily! People are conscious of not spending a lot on a funeral and getting excellent value for what they do select. Here are 2 ways to help reduce the cost.