Silver Sherpa

10/20/2026

Your mother's property tax instalment came due in September when she was in the hospital for four days.

You had the paper bill, but she pays through online banking, and the security code went to her phone at home.

When she came home, she paid it herself and asked you what would have happened if her stay had been longer.

Neither of you had an answer.

A digital access plan is important, and it's only a part of a person's affairs. What about her health care providers and medications, for example? Or would you know what she would want for her lifestyle if she faced a life-altering transition?

Your mother can record details like these in a guided Smart Ageing Audit from Silver Sherpa. Our empathetic, experienced Client Directors work alongside clients like your Mom to document the information you'll need and the decisions she's made.

The Smart Ageing Audit is a practical exercise that gives you both peace of mind. Call us today to learn more.

(905) 491-6972
[email protected]

10/19/2026

Last week, your bank texted you a six-digit code, and then a man phoned. He said he was from the bank and asked for the code. You were suspicious, so you hung up and called the bank. It was attempted fraud.

Later that evening, you had a thought.

Who could get into your digital accounts if you were in hospital and your phone was at home? And what other details might your loved ones need if they had to look after you? Overall, you wondered: how can you plan for an expected or unexpected transition?

The answer is Silver Sherpa's guided Smart Ageing Audit. A Client Director works with you to identify, decide, and document the things a loved one would need to know if you couldn't look after yourself. It would also help them understand your wishes in that case.

A few hours with an empathetic, experienced professional, with nothing to sell you, can make a huge difference to your loved ones and give you peace of mind.

10/14/2026

How do you want to live if circumstances change?

Many people have a will. However, few think about documenting their lifestyle goals; where they want to live, how they want to be cared for, or who will help them make decisions, if they cannot make their own decisions.

In Episode 3 of Smart Ageing, Smart Estates, Susan J. Hyatt and Justin de Vries discuss the lifestyle plan. A written lifestyle plan can reduce family conflict, support decision-makers, and keep your wishes at the centre of important conversations. Because when families disagree about care, money, and control, clarity matters.

Listen here, or find SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES now on Apple or Spotify.

All About Estates has launched SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES, a new podcast examining the intersection between estate planning and lifestyle planning.The podcast is co-hosted by Justin de Vries, a lawyer, founder of All About Estates and principal o...

10/13/2026

When a family member's capacity becomes a question or concern, the reflex is to hold a meeting about it.

At Silver Sherpa, we focus on an independent assessment of you and the decisions in front of you.

From there we help coordinate across your advisors to develop an integrated plan.

Then we present the options, with costs attached so that you can choose a preference rather than hope for one. The result is a written plan you direct, and your Attorney for Personal Care can follow.

Speak with a Silver Sherpa advisor about your own situation.

10/11/2026

Happy Thanksgiving from our families to yours.

10/08/2026

When you arrive for Thanksgiving weekend, you might notice the beds are not made up, the bills are unopened, or the traditional meal has not been planned the way it always was.

A combination of these signs can mean a parent needs help to stay safely at home, so read our latest post for the full list and how to approach the conversation.

https://allaboutestates.ca/longevity-planning/

10/07/2026

If you will be home for Thanksgiving and have been wondering how to raise planning with Mom or Dad, asking about their plans for the Go-Go years is a gentle place to begin.

Read our latest post to learn the Go-Go, Slow-Go and No-Go stages and how to listen for the one your parent sees themselves in.

Thanksgiving weekend is a practical time to talk with older family members about longevity planning. In this blog, learn a conversation opener and the warning signs to watch for.

10/06/2026

If a power of attorney was signed before a divorce, a move, a serious diagnosis, or the death of someone named in it, now is a good time to look at it again.

Listen to Episode 1 of SMART AGEING, SMART ESTATES to start that conversation before a crisis forces it.

https://allaboutestates.ca/the-smart-ageing-smart-estates-podcast/episode-1-powers-of-attorney/

10/01/2026

National Seniors Day and the United Nations International Day of Older Persons are today. All month, we have been writing about capacity.

And the bottom line is:

The decisions a person can still make for themselves carry more weight than the decisions other people may be required to make for them later.

So, to the older adults directing their own arrangements, and to the families supporting those decisions rather than overriding them, the day is yours.