Sometimes, people close to us need help because of age, illness or a disability. When this happens, we become caregivers.
Stepping into this role raises lots of questions. Can we take time off work to care for someone? Do we have a role when it comes to health care decisions? Can we act on behalf of the other person?
The law has tools to help caregivers understand their roles, make decisions and accompany others.
Balancing Work and Caregiving
Can I take time off work for caregiving? If so, how much? What if my employer objects? If my employer wants to let me go?
Health Care Decisions
The general rule is that people have the right to make their own health care decisions. Doctors must give certain information so patients can make these decisions. But what about people who can’t make decisions? And can treatment ever be imposed?
Accessing Medical Records
How is confidential medical information protected? What’s in a medical record? And who can see a patient’s medical record?
Navigating the Health and Social Services Network
Caregivers face a network that can be hard navigate: the health and social services system. These articles can point you in the right direction.
Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind
There are many legal tools to plan for the unexpected. And others that let caregivers make decisions on behalf of someone else.
Legal Protections for Vulnerable People
What happens when people can’t care for themselves or their affairs? If they don’t have a legal document for this kind of situation (a protection mandate), the law has several solutions.
Housing Issues
Sometimes, people have to move for health reasons. People leaving rental housing can end their leases in some cases, and the law has protections if there are problems. Éducaloi also has a special article housing issues for seniors.
