Susan J. Hyatt

Many of us dream of escaping a Canadian winter, especially this year, with the repeated snowfalls and freezing temperatures. As our population ages, the annual migration of Canadian ‘snowbirds’ to warmer climates continues to grow. Travelling with a person who has cognitive impairments can be challenging, yet it is possible with adequate planning. As your International Estate Plan changes to reflect cognitive impairment, so should your International Lifestyle Plan. A….

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada. With new advances in diagnosing and treating the disease, clinicians and researchers are cautiously optimistic that they are on the verge of breakthroughs in treating its causes and improving symptom management. At the same time, we are still seeing a rising epidemic of dementia in Canada, and caregivers and families continue to struggle under the burden. Two years ago, in an AAE blog,….

Pausing to reflect on this new year ahead, I’m grateful for this collaborative group of professionals at All About Estates who blog daily on estate planning matters. The purpose of the All About Estates blog is to provide fellow specialists and the general public with information and resources related to our bloggers’ areas of expertise. And as a group, we have a diverse set of experiences to share with our….

Year-end planning season brings portfolio reviews, tax strategies, and client meetings focused on financial performance. It also brings something less visible: clients quietly managing the stress of aging parents or ill family members alongside their professional and personal responsibilities. No one expects advisors to become a family therapist or care coordinator. You are, however, positioned to recognize when caregiving stress is affecting decision-making and to offer a clear, professional referral….

The festive season brings families together in ways few other times of year manage. This creates a valuable opportunity for meaningful conversations about the future. When approached with care and respect, these discussions can provide relief, clarity, and peace of mind for everyone involved. Many adult children hesitate to raise questions about ageing or care needs, concerned about causing offense or worry. This reluctance is understandable. However, waiting for a….