Information and Resources for Family and Friend Caregivers

Family members and friends are the unsung heroes of care and support – especially for seniors.

The United Way of the Lower Mainland produced a Handbook for caregivers in Metro Vancouver. However, the information will be useful to caregivers in all areas of British Columbia.

This Handbook is written, compiled and coordinated by Katherine Willett, gerontologist and elder caregiving consultant.

Metro Vancouver Family and Friend Caregivers Information and Resource Handbook

Nidus was asked to write the chapter on Legal Issues in Family Caregiving – Personal Planning. This chapter starts on page 78.

Personal planning is about making legal arrangements in case you become incapable of directing your own care.

A Representation Agreement is the legal document in B.C. for appointing someone to assist you, or, if necessary, to act on your behalf for health care and personal care matters. (A living will or Power of Attorney does not cover this.)

With a Representation Agreement you can give someone you trust, and who knows your values, the legal authority to ensure you have access to basic care and when the time comes, to carry out your end-of-life wishes.

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Nidus has created a slideshow, about John and Mary, to illustrate how they can use a Representation Agreement for their situations.

Mary has Alzheimer’s Disease and John is her caregiver. Mary requires considerable support from John with daily living activities as well as with health care decisions.

They have concerns about planning for the future:

• Does John have the legal authority he needs to carry out Mary’s wishes?
• Who will support Mary if something happens to John?
• Who will ensure someone John’s his wishes are followed if he gets ill or injured?

Learn about the arrangements John and Mary can make to protect their rights and wishes:

John and Mary plan for health and personal care

John and Mary plan for financial and legal affairs