Elder-care law specialist, lawyer Ann Soden encouraged the minds and spirits of residents and neighbourhood guests of the Griffith McConnell Residence last week with an informative and caring presentation about the ins and outs of wills, power of attorneys elder abuse and elder law. 

Soden likes to speak one-on-one with clients and for the presentation got close to the participants by taking the microphone right into the audience. Speaking without notes, Soden encouraged residents and members of the Côte St Luc senior residence to learn and stand up for their rights, especially concerning planning, discrimination, abuse and exploitation. 

After a brief explanation of exactly what elder law is, she told the attentive participants it is her mission to educate them on the special issues this generation of seniors are facing, including making their life-choice wishes known. Also facing these issues are what she calls the “Tsunami of baby boomers” who are heading towards retirement. 

She has developed what she calls a holistic approach to elder care that deals with the broad spectrum of aging including finances, maintaining and keeping houses, downsizing and ultimately homecare. 

Working as a lawyer in Montreal, Soden not only helps people plan for their futures but is also a facilitator in emergency situations from seniors’ rights to estate issues to senior abuse. 

Last year, the Montreal West resident was appointed to the American Bar Association’s Commission on Law and Aging, making her the first international commissioner since the Commission was created in 1978. In addition, Soden is general editor of Advising the Older Client, recently published by Lexis Nexis Canada Inc. 

Soden’s goal ultimately is to work to keep families together, sorting out issues such as life wishes, property and estates. “Lawyers today have to make law relevant for the times. They need a new vision to teach families and community how to live together,” she said. 

Elder law is one of the upcoming issues facing the present senior and soon-to-be senior population. It is a much in demand topic at senior residences across the West End, the largest concentrations of seniors in the country.