• Plan for your own future when you are well, healthy, and still independent.
• Investigate possible living arrangements and levels of home care support.
• Seek legal advice about what should happen in the event of mental or physical disability.
• Make property arrangements with good legal advice.
• Do not deed or will your house or other assets to someone who promises to keep you out of a nursing home or to take care of you at home should you become disabled.
• Make a will and review it regularly. Do not revise your will without careful consideration or without speaking with someone you trust.
• Do not give up control of your property or assets until such time that you feel unable to manage them any longer.
• Keep your home secure and do not leave cash, jewellery, or prized possessions lying about.
• Make a list of valuables for insurance purposes.
• Make your home burglar-proof.
• Have your pension or other cheques deposited directly into your accounts.
• Do not rely solely on family members for your social life and care. Seek outside contacts. Develop friends of all ages.
• Stay active in the community as much as possible.
• Maintain regular links with people who may be able to help you in an emergency. This may be your bank, hairdresser, friends, neighbours, or members of a religious organization.
• Choose a regular pharmacist so that he or she can become familiar with your medication history and can advise you on side effects.
• Do not allow adult children to return home without carefully considering the situation.
• Do not be too proud to ask for help when you need it.
• Do not be intimidated in seeking your rights because of your age.
• Do not place expectations on your children without their consent.

Return to Prevention Suggestions for Older Adults

Updated: October 1, 2003
© Legal Resource Centre of Alberta Ltd. 2002
OAK-Net: Abuse of Older Adults
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