Services for Seniors

A loss of mental awareness often leaves the elderly vulnerable both financially and personally.  Seniors who have not made adequate provision for a trusted individual to make decisions on their behalf, should they become unable to do so, may become clients of the Public Trustee.  The Public Trustee acts to ensure this client group receives necessary personal care in appropriate facilities, and manages their financial interests and assets. Asset Management Expense and Debt Management Personal Care Management Investment Management Tax Management Funeral Arrangements

The Public Trustee manages all clients’ assets, including cash, investments, real property, household goods and vehicles. This means caring for treasured heirlooms and safely storing antiques. The Public Trustee also safely stores all personal documentation, including birth certificates, passports and Wills.  This does not mean that everything is kept. Certain items no longer required by the individual may be sold or disposed of, with the proceeds being invested by the Public Trustee on the client’s behalf.

The Public Trustee tries wherever possible to involve clients and their families in managing major assets and sentimental items.  The extent of this depends on a client’s ability to understand, as well as the interest and availability of family members. 

In general, the Public Trustee tries to manage a client's assets so the client's independence and abilities are best respected. As long as a client's assets are secure, the Public Trustee will co-operate and minimize its role.

Expense and Debt Management:

To the extent of a client’s ability to pay, the client’s financial obligations are met by the Public Trustee from the client’s own financial resources.  For clients living in the community, this means paying rent or mortgage, utilities, taxes, and groceries.  For clients living in personal care homes, hospitals or other institutions, the Public Trustee pays the residential charges from the client’s funds or may authorize the provision of client money for extra comforts when appropriate requests are received.  The Public Trustee will establish debt management activities if necessary and take the appropriate action to ensure repayments of debt using a client’s assets so creditors are satisfied with the arrangements made.

The Public Trustee works hard to ensure that current needs are balanced against long term requirements.

The Public Trustee’s duties include making decisions regarding personal care on behalf of the client.  This can mean making a decision as to where and with whom a client will live or providing informed consent to medical treatments.  Each client’s case is managed individually and decisions are made based on the client’s best interest. 

The Department of Finance acts as an investment partner for the Public Trustee to provide clients with investment portfolios that serve their needs.

Tax Management:

Tax returns will be filed annually on behalf of each client.  All credits will be invested along with other funds held by the client.  If a new client has not filed tax returns in previous years, the Public Trustee is responsible to ensure all past returns are filed and that any penalties are paid from the client’s estate.

The Public Trustee may take out insurance to cover funeral expenses and will act to ensure all necessary funeral arrangements are made in accordance with a client’s known wishes.