In 2004, Northwestern Legal Services partnered with state senators and a state representative in our program region to present free seminars titled “Older & Wiser.” These workshops provided information about powers of attorney and living wills for older adults, family members and caregivers. Local attorneys volunteered their time to explain the topics under discussion, and answered questions from those in attendance.

A power of attorney names a person to act on your behalf if you are unable to handle your affairs due to illness or injury. A living will states your wishes about medical treatment that sustains or prolongs your life in the event you become terminally ill or enter a permanent unconscious state.

Last year, Pennsylvania State Senators Jane Earll and Mary Jo White, along with State Representative Tom Scrimenti, sponsored “Older & Wiser” seminars in their legislative districts. The concept for the “Older & Wiser” series was developed by Neighborhood Legal Services in Pittsburgh.