Go Back

Lorena Smalley

Are You Prepared Series: Because Planning Ahead Changes Everything

The WE Seniors’ Are You Prepared series is a month‑long education series designed to help older adults and their families stay safe, informed, and confident when navigating some of life’s most important decisions. The series brings together trusted experts from government, law enforcement, health care, financial institutions, and community organizations.

Each week focuses on a different theme:

  • fraud prevention,
  • fall and home safety,
  • legacy planning, and
  • end‑of‑life options.

Participants receive practical, relevant information they can use right away.

Across six session, attendees learn how to:

  • spot scams,
  • reduce fall risks,
  • understand key legal documents,
  • choose an executor,
  • explore medical and end‑of‑life care options, and
  • start conversations that many families find difficult to begin.

Presenters share real examples, clear guidance, and tools that help people make informed decisions before a crisis occurs.

Why attend this series

Because planning ahead changes everything. Past participants consistently told us they felt more confident, more prepared, and more comfortable discussing their wishes with loved ones. Others took immediate action like updating their documents, booking appointments with guest speakers, and improving their home safety.

We hope you will join us.

Registration

  • There are a total of 6 sessions throughout the month of November.
  • Register for 1 or for all of them…it is up to you
  • Feel free to invite a friend to join you

See registration information below

Are You Prepared Series: National Seniors Safety Week – Thursday, November 5, 2026

1:30 p.m.

Sign in, grab a beverage & snack, and get seated.

1:45 p.m.
Protecting Your Nest Egg: Recognizing and Avoiding Investment Scams
– Presented by the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC)

Your retirement savings took decades to build — don’t let a fraudster take them in an afternoon. Older adults are increasingly targeted by investment scams, and the schemes are getting harder to spot. Join the Alberta Securities Commission as we pull back the curtain on the most common investment scams in Alberta today, the red flags that should make you pause, and the simple steps that can protect you and the people you love.

2:30 p.m.
Safety and Crime Prevention
– Presented by the Edmonton Police Service

Members of the Edmonton Police Service’s Stony Plain Road Beats and the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team will share information and practical strategies for safety and crime prevention.

3:30 p.m.
Fraud – Could you be next?
– Presented by Servus Credit Union

Come join James MacDonald, the Senior Manager of Corporate Security at Servus Credit Union as he educates us about the current trends in the ever-changing landscape of fraud. We will discuss how to recognize the red flags of a scam and how to protect yourself. You will be able to recognize, reject, and report fraud at the end of the session

Are You Prepared Series: Our Journey’s End – Part 1 – Tuesday, November 10, 2026

1:30 p.m.

Sign in, grab a beverage & snack, and get seated.

1:45 p.m.
One Life, Many Gifts: Considering Organ and Tissue Donation
– Presented by Give Life Alberta

Thousands of Canadians are waiting for a life-saving or life-enhancing transplant, including corneas for sight-restoring surgeries. And while at least 90% of Albertans support organ and tissue donation, few know how to act on their good intentions. Give Life Alberta’s Senior Communications Advisor Su-Ling Goh will clear up misconceptions – and share what you and your family need to know if you’re interested in leaving a life-changing gift. A transplant recipient will also share their incredible story of hope.

2:30 p.m.
Creating a Lasting Legacy for Future Generations
– Presented by Westlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

Learn about Westlawn’s relationship with the University of Alberta, including the Memorial Wall dedicated to those who have donated themselves for the betterment of humanity. Families may choose to have a name plaque placed on the Memorial Wall or select a private resting place. This presentation will walk through these meaningful memorial options and the choices available to families.

Are You Prepared Series: Our Journey’s End – Part 2 – Thursday, November 12, 2026

1:30 p.m.

Sign in, grab a beverage & snack, and get seated.

1:45 p.m.
Palliative Homecare – Presented by Ember Healthcare

Join Ember Healthcare for an insightful presentation on palliative home care. Learn what to expect and how to navigate the journey of passing in the comfort of your own home.

2:30 p.m.
Hospice Care and Community Palliative Resources
– Presented by Pilgrims Hospice Society

Wondering what hospice care is and whether it’s the right choice for you or a loved one? Join us to learn about hospice care, the differences between receiving end-of-life care at home or in hospice, who qualifies, how to access services, and the programs and supports offered by Pilgrims Hospice Society. This session will help you better understand your options and make informed decisions for the future.

3:30 p.m.
Understanding Funeral Planning
– Presented by Westlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

Learn about funeral and cremation planning, including the many options available for personalization and customization. This presentation will also explore how making these arrangements in advance can provide comfort, clarity, and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Are You Prepared Series: Fall Prevention & Safety in the Home – Thursday, November 19, 2026

1:30 p.m.

Sign in, grab a beverage & snack, and get seated.

1:45 p.m.
How physical activity can prevent falls
– Presented by Primary Care Alberta

Most of us have heard that staying physically active is important for our health, but how exactly does physical activity affect the risk of falling? What types of exercises are most effective? Are there programs specifically designed to help prevent falls?

In this presentation, we will explore the connection between physical activity and falls prevention, with a focus on building strength, improving balance, and maintaining mobility. Participants will learn about evidence-informed strategies and programs that can help reduce fall risk, support independence, and enhance quality of life as we age.

2:30 p.m.
Everyday Chemical Safety Made Simple
– Presented by Health Canada

Discover practical ways to safely use common household chemicals and pesticides with confidence. Through interactive discussion and real-life examples, you’ll learn how to understand product labels, recognize hazard symbols, safely use products around pets and others, and make simple choices that help create a healthier, safer home.

3:30 p.m.
Home Fire Safety
– Presented by Fire Rescue Services

Caryn from Edmonton Fire Rescue Services will share practical home fire safety tips, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, home fire escape plans, cooking and smoking safety, common home hazards, lithium-ion batteries, and portable fire extinguishers. She will also discuss what to do in the event of a fire and answer your questions.

Are You Prepared Series: Leaving Legacy To Prevent Fights & Lawsuits Part 1 – Tuesday, November 24, 2026

1:30 p.m.

Sign in, grab a beverage & snack, and get seated.

1:45 p.m.
The Conversation Project
– Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Rokosh, Facility Medical Director, Misericordia Hospital

Join Ella as she will go through the trajectory of illness, options for medical care available and how to start conversations/share decisions with family and the medical team. It is a presentation from a physician perspective highlighting the need for understanding what can be offered and what the options are if one’s health takes a turn for the worse and one is facing crossroads.

2:30 p.m.
Choosing an Executor – how to avoid common pitfalls
– Presented by Joshua P. Jackson, HTM Law

Even if a Will is straightforward and precise, the selection of an inappropriate executor may delay the administration of an estate. My presentation will focus on who can be an executor, things you ought to consider when choosing an executor and the roles and responsibilities of an executor once appointed. I will review some unintended consequences of choosing the “wrong executor”.

Are You Prepared Series: Leaving Legacy To Prevent Fights & Lawsuits Part 2 – Thursday, November 26, 2026

1:30 p.m.

Sign in, grab a beverage & snack, and get seated.

1:45 p.m.

MAiD 101
– Presented by the Edmonton Chapter of Dying With Dignity Canada

What is Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), and who qualifies? Learn about how it became law and what the process to apply is.

2:30 p.m.

Leaving a Legacy
– Presented by Shelley Smith, Venture Law

Whether you are taking care of your family after your death or taking care of others, your estate can make a difference. In this seminar, Shelley will equip you with the knowledge of the decisions you must make when creating a will. Who will be your personal representative, who will benefit from your gifts, how can you leave more to charitable interests and less in taxes?

These and other topics will be explained so that when you decide to do your estate plan, you will have decided on your instructions before you meet with your estate planning lawyer.

HOW TO REGISTER

  • Call 780 483 1209
  • Visit our front desk
  • Email ch****@*******rs.ca

REGISTER ONLINE

COME JOIN US!

  • Cost: $3.00 per session (includes beverages)
  • Open To The Public ‑ You Do Not Have To Be A Member To Attend