We recently had a great session on navigating aging and elder care planning, led by Jeanette Bock—a certified professional consultant on aging and member of the Elder Care Society of Canada. With over 10 years of experience in the field, including roles in retirement living, home care, and now running her own elder care planning business. Jeanette guides individuals and families through the unclear aging environment.
We’ve pulled together some of her main points below. As always, if you have any questions or want to talk more about this topic, please feel free to reach out.
Housing Options
Jeanette Bock emphasizes the importance of thinking ahead when it comes to where you’ll live as you age. Options include aging in place, downsizing, or moving to a retirement community. She recommends beginning this planning process proactively—ideally by your mid-70s—before a crisis forces the decision. Mobility and cognitive ability are often the main reasons people need to leave their homes. Retirement living can range from independent living ($4,500–$8,000 per month) to more supportive environments like assisted living and memory care, which are more expensive due to increased staffing needs ($15,000-$20,000 per month). Jeanette encourages exploring communities that offer a continuum of care, allowing residents to transition seamlessly as their needs evolve.
Legal Affairs
Regularly reviewing your will—ideally every five years—is key, according to Bock. She also stresses the importance of carefully selecting your powers of attorney. For property and financial matters, choose someone who is financially literate, responsible, and comfortable with technology. For personal care, select someone who knows you well, respects your values, and lives nearby for practical accessibility. Jeanette advises against requiring multiple people to jointly approve every decision, as this can delay or complicate urgent choices during emergencies.
Financial Planning
One of Bock’s practical recommendations is creating a binder that includes all your essential documents—bank and investment statements, insurance policies, pension and income details, contact information for financial advisors, power of attorney, will documents etc. Having everything in one place helps ensure that, in an emergency, your chosen representatives can act quickly and effectively without having to search through scattered paperwork. (We refer to this as the “Financial Inventory”, if you would like a copy of our Financial Inventory checklist and template, please let us know).
Advanced Healthcare Directives
Jeanette is a strong advocate for detailed healthcare directives. These should clearly outline your medical preferences in situations where you’re unable to speak for yourself, including lifestyle values, intervention choices, and quality-of-life considerations. She recommends working with healthcare professionals to create these directives and sharing them with family members to avoid confusion or disagreement later. Clear documentation ensures your wishes are understood and respected well before any crisis arises.
End-of-Life Options
When it comes to end-of-life care, Bock encourages people to be open and specific about their preferences. This includes exploring options like hospice care, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), or staying at home. She highlights the importance of having a documented Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order while also understanding its practical limitations. Preplanning funeral arrangements is another key step—both to ease the emotional burden on loved ones and to manage expenses effectively.
Family Expectations
Bock stresses the need for honest conversations with family about care responsibilities and expectations. Rather than assuming children or relatives will provide support, she suggests asking them directly what they can realistically commit to. These discussions should also cover your own preferences and concerns. Transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that caregiving plans are practical and agreed upon by everyone involved.
Transportation Issues
Transportation plays a huge role in maintaining independence in later life. Bock recommends planning ahead for the eventual loss of driving privileges. This could mean discussing alternative transportation support with family or choosing housing close to services and public transit. Often, losing the ability to drive is what prompts a move to a more supportive living environment, so planning for this shift in advance is essential.
Health Considerations
Chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure can significantly influence care needs as we age. Jeanette suggests staying on top of these conditions, staying physically active, and watching for early signs of cognitive decline. She also advises that specific health needs should be factored into decisions about where to live and what kind of support might be required in the future.
Legacy Planning
Bock encourages people to reflect on and share their personal legacies. This could include unfulfilled dreams—some of which can be experienced virtually with technologies like VR—or sharing stories, life lessons, and values with loved ones. She also notes that now is the time to address any sensitive topics or family secrets to avoid confusion or conflict after passing. These conversations help ensure that your legacy is intentional, meaningful, and complete.
Jeanette Bock’s Services
If you would like to learn more about Jeanette Bock and her services, please visit her website: Fluid Senior Transitions | Expert Care and Crisis Solutions for Seniors.
Bryan Deviney
Senior Financial Advisor
Assante Capital Management Ltd.
The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Assante Capital Management Ltd. This material is provided for general information and the opinions expressed and information provided herein are subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to compile this material from reliable sources however no warranty can be made as to its accuracy or completeness. Before acting on the information presented, please seek professional financial advice based on your personal circumstances. Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization.
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