Over twenty U3A members attended both lectures given by John Barry during May. In the first lecture John covered Powers of Attorney, whilst in the second lecture he covered making a Will and Estate Planning. Whilst both can be difficult subjects to address, John gave many stories to illustrate the points be made, and even injected some humour into the topics.
In the first lecture John first explained that an Enduring Power of Attorney covered both personal matters, such as where you can live as well as being able to deal with financial matters when the person making the Power of Attorney is incapable of making their own decisions. It was emphasised that at all times the person taking on the responsibility of the Power of Attorney had to deal honestly and diligently with the responsibility given to him or her.
There was a need for the person appointing the Power of Attorney to also appoint a medical treatment decision maker, which may or may not be the same person who was being named as the holder of the Enduing Power of Attorney.
When appointing a medical treatment decision maker, it was wise to consider making an Advanced Care Directive at the same time. This would assist your medical decision maker in the future about your wishes.
There are two types of Advanced Care Directives. The first type of Advanced Care Directive is termed a Values Directive. In this you record your values and preferences for your medical treatment to guide your medical treatment decision maker.
The second type of Advanced Care Directive is termed an Instructional Directive. In this you make legally binding statements directed to your health practitioners, in which you consent to, or refuse, specific future medical treatment.
To complete the Power of Attorney it is often a good idea to appoint a Support person who can guide you with the options available in a particular situation. Once again, this can be the same person holding the Enduring Power of Attorney, or another individual if that is more appropriate.
In the second lecture about Wills, John’s opinion was that the Will kit bought from the Newsagent on Making a Will, provided it was carefully followed, was a much cheaper and satisfactory alternative to instructing a lawyer to make your Will.
Throughout the presentations there were numerous questions, which John dealt with as they were asked. The questions showed that the audience appreciated John’s presentations of what could be a difficult subject, but one which he made very interesting.
Margaret Jenkins
In the first lecture John first explained that an Enduring Power of Attorney covered both personal matters, such as where you can live as well as being able to deal with financial matters when the person making the Power of Attorney is incapable of making their own decisions. It was emphasised that at all times the person taking on the responsibility of the Power of Attorney had to deal honestly and diligently with the responsibility given to him or her.
There was a need for the person appointing the Power of Attorney to also appoint a medical treatment decision maker, which may or may not be the same person who was being named as the holder of the Enduing Power of Attorney.
When appointing a medical treatment decision maker, it was wise to consider making an Advanced Care Directive at the same time. This would assist your medical decision maker in the future about your wishes.
There are two types of Advanced Care Directives. The first type of Advanced Care Directive is termed a Values Directive. In this you record your values and preferences for your medical treatment to guide your medical treatment decision maker.
The second type of Advanced Care Directive is termed an Instructional Directive. In this you make legally binding statements directed to your health practitioners, in which you consent to, or refuse, specific future medical treatment.
To complete the Power of Attorney it is often a good idea to appoint a Support person who can guide you with the options available in a particular situation. Once again, this can be the same person holding the Enduring Power of Attorney, or another individual if that is more appropriate.
In the second lecture about Wills, John’s opinion was that the Will kit bought from the Newsagent on Making a Will, provided it was carefully followed, was a much cheaper and satisfactory alternative to instructing a lawyer to make your Will.
Throughout the presentations there were numerous questions, which John dealt with as they were asked. The questions showed that the audience appreciated John’s presentations of what could be a difficult subject, but one which he made very interesting.
Margaret Jenkins
