Why Estate Planning Matters: Peter’s Final Chapter
October is a month of reflection. With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us pause to feel grateful for the family and friends in our lives whom we can count on. But sadly, there are many individuals who are alone with no one to count on.
This is the story of Peter (name changed for privacy), a 91-year-old client whose greatest fear wasn’t about his imminent death — but leaving unfinished business behind.
Peter’s Dilemma
Peter, deaf and nearly blind, moved into the Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre (TGHC). His health challenges forced him to leave his apartment, and without family or friends to help, his belongings were left behind.
In palliative care, Peter asked for MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) and the only obstacle to setting a date was the absence of a will. Highly distressed about leaving this world with his affairs in disarray – no will -no executor -no way to ensure his wishes would be honoured – Peter asked for help.
Due to his sensory limitations, a primarily government funded organization – Sensity, was engaged to support Peter with his communication needs. Through their support, they found a lawyer to draft his will, and an executor to be named in his will.
The social worker at TGHC set up a room where Peter, the support worker from Sensity, the lawyer and myself gathered. Communicating in writing in 80 point font, together we helped Peter successfully execute his will and document his final wishes.
With the weight of unfinished business lifted, Peter found peace, knowing he could leave this world on his terms and his wishes would be honoured.
Peter’s story is a good reminder of the importance of estate planning. Planning ahead secures peace of mind allowing us to leave as we choose, not as circumstances dictate.
When Community Support Steps Up
Both the Salvation Army TGHC and Sensity combined the talents of their care providers to deliver a meaningful impact in Peter’s life.
The dedication of the care team I worked with is nothing short of inspiring. Their commitment to dignity, accessibility and Peter’s comfort reminds me how much good quietly happens in our communities every day.
About The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre
The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre is a mission of The Salvation Army. Toronto Grace is a 150-bed facility located in the heart of downtown Toronto, and is renowned for compassion, clinical excellence and patient-centred care.
About Sensity
Sensity is a primarily government funded nonprofit organization located in Paris Ontario dedicated to supporting individuals facing sensory challenges, particularly those who are deafblind. Their leading service, Intervenor Services, plays a crucial role in assisting those who are deafblind by providing personalized assistance so they can navigate their unique journeys.
A Thanksgiving Reflection
The work we do at Financial Concierge™ is a privilege as we are often called on to support vulnerable individuals who have no one to help them with executor or attorney roles. Helping individuals like Peter find peace at such a vulnerable time in his life is at the very heart of why our work matters.
As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, Peter’s story encourages us to:
- Be grateful for the people who support us.
- Reach out to those who may not have family close by.
- Take the time to put our own affairs in order — so our final chapter can close with peace knowing our wishes will be honoured.
Wishing everyone a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and hope.
What about you?
Have you taken steps to get your affairs in order? We’d love to hear your reflections.
Financial Concierge™ offers Professional Executor and Power of Attorney services to assist with executor, attorney duties or help with managing daily financial activities. Learn more about Financial Concierge™ here.
Author: Janet Jackson, Contributor: Jill Chambers
DISCLAIMER: This blog is not intended to be legal or financial advice and should not be construed as anything other than for information purposes.
