Who will make critical decisions when we lose the ability to do so? This is a question that everyone may face at some point in life. To help the community prepare for such situations, Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC), in partnership with the Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre (NSCLC), invited the Older People’s Rights Service (OPRS) team to host an informative seminar on how to safeguard personal rights through essential legal documents.
Held on October 2nd and 3rd at CWCC’s Balcatta and Willetton Community Hubs, the seminar attracted over 70 eager attendees.
The focus of the seminar was on three essential legal tools. First, the Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), a document that enables a designated trustee to manage an individual’s financial and property affairs when they can no longer make decisions themselves. This trustee would be responsible for tasks such as managing bank accounts, overseeing investments, and handling real estate transactions.
In contrast, the Enduring Power of Guardianship (EPG) grants a trustee the authority to make personal life decisions for an individual, such as living arrangements, healthcare, social activities, and education, in the event of incapacity. However, it’s important to remember that the EPG trustee is not authorized to handle financial matters.
Without an EPA or EPG in place, an individual’s financial and personal decisions can become chaotic if they lose the ability to make decisions. In such situations, the government may step in and appoint a property administrator or guardian. These roles are typically filled by family members or close friends, but in cases of family conflict or when no suitable person is available, a public guardian is appointed. This is why it’s vital to set up both an EPA and EPG while fully capable of doing so.
Another highlight of the seminar was the introduction of “family agreements” — informal arrangements between family members that clearly outline responsibilities and expectations, helping to prevent potential conflicts in the future.
CWCC remains deeply committed to empowering seniors and protecting their autonomy. This seminar provided invaluable guidance to community members, equipping them with the knowledge needed to plan and manage their financial and personal affairs with confidence. By ensuring their wishes are clearly defined and upheld, CWCC continues to support seniors in safeguarding their quality of life and dignity.
