Here are some community resources about senior health that you might find helpful:

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• Osteoporosis Canada – Osteoporosis Canada serves people who are at risk for, or who currently have osteoporosis.

• Alzheimer’s Society of Canada – Learn about Alzheimer’s research

• Aging at Home: Common Problems and Solutions

• How Seniors are Designing Social Support Networks

• The Ultimate Guide to Home Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities

• Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors

• Finding a Family: Discovering Your Queer Community When You’re 65

• Dental Care Tips for Caregivers

• Dementia Society

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What is Advance Care Planning?

As part of a quality improvement project, the clinic is trying to update patient’s records, so that we have individuals Substitute decision Maker (SDM) or Power of Attorney (POA) listed on file. 

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Have you heard of the terms POA and SDM? A SDM/POA is a person who makes healthcare decisions on your behalf if there was ever a time you were unable to speak for yourself. Example of such situations would be if you were confused because of an infection, you were unconscious, or you had advanced Alzheimer’s Dementia. In Ontario, everyone automatically has an SDM. For most people it is their closest living relative.  However, if you wish to have someone else as your SDM you can legally appoint an alternative person (a POA). 

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It is important to discuss your beliefs, values, and wishes for health care with your SDM/POA as well as your primary care provider. This is called Advance Care Planning. This allows your wishes to be respected if you are unable to speak for yourself. Additionally, making healthcare decisions for a loved one can be stressful, but if you communicate your wishes in advance, it can make the process less anxiety provoking for your SDM/POA. 

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Would you like more information on Advance Care Planning?  Along with the handout below, there are free education sessions, offered by an organization called “Compassionate Ottawa”. These are held virtually and in-person the community at various locations throughout the year. You and your family members are welcome to attend together.  After attending the program or after reviewing the document below, we invite you to follow up with us with any further questions you may have. It is important to ensure we know who you have chosen as your SDM/POA, so we can add this to your chart along with any other planning documents. ie  POA

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Advance Care Planning Patient Handout

Advance Care Planning Workshop

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Fall Prevention for Patients and Families

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