A Personal Directive is a legal document that appoints someone else to make decisions about your personal, non-financial matters such as health care and housing should you become unable to do this yourself.
The resources on this page were hand-picked by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta's staff as a good place to start.
Legislation
Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta resources:
All CPLEA publications: www.cplea.ca/publications
For a further resources on this topic and related documents, see the legal topic: Wills and estates
Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.
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This booklet produced by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta is for people who have been asked to be an Agent under someone’s Personal Directive. It explains what is involved in being an Agent. There are two sections: a question and answer section that covers issues to consider before you accept the job as well as common questions and examples; and a checklist section that helps guide you when the Personal Directive comes into effect. This booklet gives general information only, not legal advice. It is not a do-it-yourself guide. This 20 page PDF is available for free download.
This booklet produced by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta is for people who are wondering if they should write a Personal Directive. It is about putting your affairs in order and planning for the future. It explains what is involved in making a Personal Directive and how a Personal Directive can help you to look after your future personal (non-financial) needs. It describes some common examples. This 16 page PDF is available for free download.
Information page which explains how to use a personal directive to name someone to make personal decisions for you are incapable due to illness or injury. Links to a form, information on how to register your directive and where you can get help to complete the process. Instruction sheet for Personal Directive form: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/opgt-form-personal-directives-form-opg5521a.pdf
Alberta has a Personal Directive Registry. The registry permits Albertans to voluntarily register the existence of their personal directive and contact information for your agents(s). If you have questions about the registry you can contact the Office of the Public Guardian toll free at 1-877-427-4525.
Please note: Registering your personal directive is optional. It’s valid even if you don’t register it.
This website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) focuses on how Canadian law protects and affects older adults. Topic areas covered include elder abuse, planning for the future, personal and family relationships, and various other issues (e.g. consumer, travel).
This is a series of publications developed with funding from Employment and Social Development Canada. The multimedia resource package is focused on increasing the knowledge and awareness of how intermediaries can use the law to prevent and reduce elder abuse. (Resources are available in English and French)
Complaints | How it works. If you have a serious concern, you can file a written complaint with the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. If it meets the criteria, it can be investigated. If you have a serious concern, you can file a written complaint about a: co-decision-maker, guardian, trustee, personal directive agent. If your complaint meets the criteria, the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee can open an investigation.These criteria are set in law. They’re from the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act and the Personal Directives Act.
Information page which explains how to use a personal directive to name someone to make personal decisions for you are incapable due to illness or injury. Links to form, information on how to register your directive and where you can get help to complete the process.
Advance care planning is a process of reflection and communication, a time for you to reflect on your values and wishes, and to let others know your future health and personal care preferences in the event that you become incapable of consenting to or refusing treatment or other care. This website will help you to create an advance care plan that will document your wishes to be followed in the event you cannot speak for yourself. This website also gives information to caregivers, family, and friends helping to create an advance care plan for you. There is a Tool kit for community organizations; ACP planning resources; and Workbooks for all jurisdictions.
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