PRO-SEMINARS DISTRIBUTION of the CIEPS EPC DESIGNATION PROGRAM
Overview of the Pro-Seminars - Elder Planning Counselor Designation
“EPC” Program via Distance Learning
Plan
your future by achieving the Elder Planning Counselor Designation.
Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge designed by Canadians for
Canadian professionals. If you are currently interacting with or
plan to interact with Canada’s largest, growing population segment,
the 50-plus crowd, then you will greatly benefit by achieving the
EPC mark.
EPC’s
know and understand the issues and alternatives that are important
and unique to Elder life in Canada. An EPC respects
elder circumstances and confidentiality. They provide guidance and
assistance in financial, emotional, spiritual and health issues with
the elder’s best interests in mind. An EPC creates solutions that
acknowledge the Elder’s particular concerns and challenges. They
inconspicuously accommodate any age appropriate physical challenges
and impairments that the elder may have to ensure that their needs
are met.
The
Pro-Seminars “EPC” Distance Learning Program
The EPC Designation distance learning program will be distributed
exclusively by Pro-Seminars and the designation will be granted by
Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies (CIEPS). You now have
the opportunity to achieve your EPC Designation the same way you
would study and receive the CLU, CFP or RHU financial
designations...by completing segments at your own pace. (6 month
maximum)
This
method of attaining your EPC Designation is designed for completion
on a self-study basis.
To
successfully attain the EPC Designation, you must complete all 4
segments of the program and attain a
final grade of at least 70%
by completing the EPC Qualification examination.
Upon
successfully passing each segment (via a test pertaining to that
segment) you will be granted an EPC Certificate of Completion
attesting to the fact that you have completed one step in the
process towards the final EPC Designation.
When
all four segments are successfully completed, you will have the
opportunity to take the Proctored EPC Final Qualification
examination. Upon achieving 70%, you will be granted the Elder
Planning Counselor Designation and from that point forward, you may
use the EPC mark signifying the completion of all the requirements
necessary to become a member of Canadian Initiative for Elder
Planning Studies.
Pro-Seminars EPC Segment Format
The format is simple and easy to follow. The EPC program is broken
down into four segments, with each segment getting you one step
closer to earning the highly coveted EPC Designation at your own
pace. (6 month maximum)
Pro-Seminars EPC Study Stream
A student may take either EPC Segment 1, 2 or 3 in any order. We
have included Chapter 1 (Situation Critical / Introduction to the
EPC Designation Program) in Segments1, 2 & 3 as a prelude to those
chapters to set the stage for that particular segment. Segment 4
MUST be taken last as this segment contains information
that will be dependent on successfully passing the final EPC EPC
designation exam.
The Segments
Each student will study and complete the following segments:
Segment 1 - Aging & Health Issues
Segment 2 – Social and Psychological Issues for Elders
Segment 3 – Financial Issues
Segment
4 - Communication & Other
Timely Issues (must be taken last)
SEGMENT 1 DESCRIPTION – Aging & Health Issues
Chapter 1 – Situation Critical – Our Population is Aging!
This chapter focuses on our
changing society. In order to do this, it is necessary to review
demographics and other significant factors that have contributed
directly to Canada’s aging society.
The EPC will learn about
elders in respect of their needs, wants, and concerns. This newly
acquired knowledge will assist the professional in planning for the
future.
The EPC will be required to
understand life cycle changes and various factors and situations
that an elder experiences while going through life.
The EPC will study how such
factors as age, gender, race, and ethnic background greatly
influence elder behaviours and attitudes when interacting with
professionals.
Chapter 2 – Principles, Progressions & the Effects of Aging
The main goal for the EPC is to become acquainted with the physical,
social, and psychological aspects of aging, along with any
challenges that are created by age-related changes in the human
body.
By understanding the age-related and non-age-related changes and
challenges, an EPC is better qualified to professionally serve the
elder client or prospect. By working together with the elder, their
best needs are met when determining which plan to follow.
Chapter 5 – Understanding Chronic Conditions in Elders
The EPC will witness the full implications that chronic conditions
will have on the elder and their families. They will also study how
severe illnesses can alter the elder’s lifestyle and their ability
to maintain a fully self-sufficient life.
In addition, the EPC should be familiar with the members of the
elder’s health care team, and, in addition, what each of those
individual’s responsibilities are. Although this chapter uses many
medical terms and situations, it is not necessary for the EPC to
have the same knowledge as a medical doctor. Remember that one not
in the medical profession, should not suggest any medical advice to
a client or prospect.
Knowing the symptoms and having the awareness of some of the medical
conditions and ailments that take their toll on our aging society
could greatly enhance the way in which the EPC interacts and carries
on business with an elder.
Chapter 4 – Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementias
The EPC will be in a better
position to understand and recognize the various kinds of dementia,
especially Alzheimer Disease (AD). As there are many implications of
dementia, the student should know how it pertains to their work with
elders and their families.
When the EPC student
concludes this chapter, they will be able to define dementia,
explain some of the causes of dementia, and describe some of the
different types of dementia. They will have acquired knowledge about
Alzheimer Disease. They will also be versed in the planning and
management of dementia and be comfortable dealing with the various
caregiving issues surrounding it.
Chapter 14 – Elder Nutrition and Fitness
Upon completion of this chapter, the EPC will be
more familiar with nutrition, healthful lifestyle, and longevity in
relation to elders. Factors that contribute to an unhealthy life and
shorter lifespan will also be discussed to further explain, and
emphasize, the importance of health as we age.
The EPC will gain insight into the overall
process of aging by considering the human body and the elements that
affect it over time. Having a foundation of information with which
to assess an elder’s health profile, the EPC will be able to
recognize areas requiring attention and suggest possible lifestyle
changes in relation to nutrition and fitness.
With awareness to the fact that a healthful
lifestyle can both prevent and improve the impact of age-related
conditions, the EPC will be in a position to help themselves, and
others, to live better. Understanding the role nutrition and fitness
play in preventing such conditions as Alzheimer disease,
osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and others, is the key in
making life-changing choices for health.
Students will cover aging theories, anti-aging
strategies, nutrition, digestion, causes of poor nutrition, elder
nutritional requirements, how to determine elder health,
supplements, diet and disease, exercise, and fitness.
SEGMENT 2 DESCRIPTION – Social and Psychological Issues for Elders
Chapter 1 – Situation Critical – Our Population is Aging!
This chapter focuses on our
changing society. In order to do this, it is necessary to review
demographics and other significant factors that have contributed
directly to Canada’s aging society.
The EPC will learn about elders in respect of
their needs, wants, and concerns. This newly acquired knowledge will
assist the professional in planning for the future.
The EPC will be required to
understand life cycle changes and various factors and situations
that an elder experiences while going through life.
The EPC will study how such
factors as age, gender, race, and ethnic background greatly
influence elder behaviours and attitudes when interacting with
professionals.
Chapter 6 – Caregiving in Canada
All EPC’s should become familiar with the many types of caregiving
resources available. They should understand many of the hurdles that
our elders face, as informal caregivers meet their continuing need
for assistance from many avenues.
The students will look at and review the many issues surrounding
caregiving. Some of the topics covered will deal with what is
required to be a caregiver, how to be a good caregiver, and what the
difficulties and demands of caregiving really entail. The many
phases and duties of providing care to a recipient will be
addressed. Caregiving stress and elder abuse issues will be
discussed in detail. With any position, one must be aware of the
satisfaction that comes with knowing that the job was done right. To
this extent, the EPC will also become aware of the rewards that
accompany caregiving.
Chapter 15 – Long Term Care Issues for Elders
It is
common knowledge that taking care of one’s self financially for long
term care in the future is a major issue. Our aging elders are no
different in this regard. Course attendees will be in a better
position to provide advice to the elders they interact with when
dealing with the various risks that are, and will be, associated
with their change in independent status.
The
four areas that the EPC will study are:
- WHY
long term care is such an issue, now and in the future.
- HOW
is society going to fund their long term care when the need arises?
- WHAT is the role of Long Term Care insurance in an aging
society?
Chapter 10 – Housing Options for Elders
The EPC will be in a better
position to describe the many housing options that are available for
the elder. The EPC, when faced with helping the elder, can help
recommend the proper alternative based on the elder’s needs and
wants.
The EPC should become
familiar with the fact that as people age, their health begins to
deteriorate. When this happens, the need to find suitable housing or
living arrangements becomes evident. Either making changes to their
existing home or looking for a new dwelling could fill this need. A
nursing home could also be the solution. The EPC will learn what to
look for when the elder or their family chooses an assisted living
or nursing home.
This chapter will walk the
EPC through the various stages of why elders want to stay in their
own homes. The decision to relocate can be a traumatic one,
increasing the need for support from many different areas.
The EPC will look at the
various types of housing arrangements available to the elder today.
Some different types of government assistance programs will be
discussed to offer alternatives to the funding process.
Chapter 16 – End-0f-Life Planning Issues for the Elder
As professionals, EPC’s should become familiar with the major issues
that a critically ill elder is facing. It is not necessary to be
fully conversant with these issues, but rather to know where to
refer the elder and their family for any further legal information
pertaining to their choice or choices. If the elder cannot speak for
himself, then who will look after his desires? Will it be the EPC?
Will it be the elder’s family?
The EPC will look at healthcare and family issues as people near
death. They will look at the quality of life that can lead the elder
and their families to make crucial decisions. Hospice and palliative
care play an important role in the aging process. As such, you will
be required to know the basic information about each and how they
can enhance an elder’s final time on this earth. The EPC will look
at the planning issues beyond the legal and medical procedures in
order to meet their elder client’s needs and wishes.
Chapter 17 – Funeral Planning
The EPC will become familiar with the various options when advising
elder clients about funeral home choices. The main point in this
chapter is to know where to go when it comes time to plan for the
final journey.
Upon completion of this chapter, the EPC will be in a position to
provide an overview in regards to the offerings that a funeral home
can provide to the individual, either before or after death. The EPC
will also know what type of assistance is available to assist the
elderly when the time comes to look at planning a funeral.
Chapter 18 – Bereavement – Grief and the Healing Process
People all experience and deal with changes and losses in their
lives every day. This is a natural part of being. As you get
older, the chances of losing things in your life are very real. The
EPC will study and learn how to help elders who are going through
various stages of the grieving process because of the
aging process, and the fact that someday everyone must
experience grief.
This chapter will prepare the EPC for dealing with loss and grief
with the elder and their family. All the variables will be studied
with the intent of providing an overview on how to adjust for the
healing process.
The EPC will learn about the experience of loss. They will look at
the total grieving process and study the five stages that humans go
through after a loss has occurred.
As the EPC finds their way through this chapter on grief
experiences, they will discover that there is no right or wrong way
to do the work of mourning. There is only the individual’s
way, and they must discover it for themselves. There is no magic
formula, no short cut, and no easy way out. Grief is as if the
person is inside a long, winding tunnel whose entrance is closed
behind them, and the only way out is to head through it and out the
other side.
A thorough study of this chapter will better enable the EPC to
provide effective interaction with their grieving elder clients and
families.
“Grief will make a new person out of you, if it doesn't kill you in
the making."
A quote by Stephanie Ericsson, Companion through the Darkness.
SEGMENT 3 DESCRIPTION – Financial Issues
Chapter 1 – Situation Critical – Our Population is Aging!
This chapter focuses on our
changing society. In order to do this, it is necessary to review
demographics and other significant factors that have contributed
directly to Canada’s aging society.
The EPC will learn about
elders in respect of their needs, wants, and concerns. This newly
acquired knowledge will assist the professional in planning for the
future.
The EPC will be required to
understand life cycle changes and various factors and situations
that an elder experiences while going through life.
The EPC will study how such
factors as age, gender, race, and ethnic background greatly
influence elder behaviours and attitudes when interacting with
professionals.
Chapter 7 – Social Security Programs for Elders
The EPC will have a better understanding of the social security
benefits and programs that are available for Canada’s elders in
today’s environment. While some of these programs are federally
regulated, many are dictated by the provincial ministry in charge of
distributing the proceeds from these programs.
It is important to remember that elders may not be eligible for all
benefits. As an EPC, you should always recommend consulting with the
proper provincial government departments that oversees the
eligibility of receiving any additional benefits.
After completing this chapter, the EPC will have acquired the
knowledge to best describe how government benefits and programs can
enhance an elder’s lifestyle. In many cases, these benefits have to
be requested through an application process. This is another area
where the EPC can bring additional value when dealing with our aging
society.
Chapter 11 – Medicare for Canada’s Elders
Upon completing this chapter, the EPC will have a
better understanding of the Canadian Health Care System that will
assist them in explaining the role that Federal and Provincial
Medicare has in providing health insurance coverage for the future
Canadian aging society.
The EPC will acquire knowledge through studying
Medicare from its beginnings to where it has evolved in today’s
society. The responsibilities for each level of government will be
looked at and discussed through the study process. The student will
look at how Medicare is funded, what the eligibility criterion is,
and what benefits an elder will receive when qualified.
Chapter 19 – Financial Planning Basics for Elders
There are many challenges for elders who are facing their retirement
years. Some have planned, and some have not. The purpose of this
chapter is to show the EPC in general terms how to develop the
various strategies that can help their clients come to terms with
their financial position and needs.
The EPC will look at the various stages of financial planning,
taking into consideration the elder’s objectives while looking at
the challenges and many stages that elders will have already
experienced prior and throughout their retirement. Professionals
from many occupations realize that the key to financial independence
can be found in the type of planning and investments the elder
should have already made. At the same time, many risk factors should
be considered. The role of the financial planner, as well as the
steps to financial freedom will be investigated. It is hoped, that
by now the elder has completed many of the prerequisites in order to
have a healthy and wealthy retirement.
Chapter 20 – Retirement & Investment Basics for Elders
The main focus of this chapter is for the EPC and the elder to
recognize that planning in the early years allows for a comfortable
retirement. Assuming that this has been done, when it comes time to
enter the ‘twilight’ period there will be an income available for
the elder to maintain the lifestyle that they were accustomed to.
The EPC will look at some investment vehicles and retirement choices
that the elder could use to provide an ongoing income for the
retirement years.
Chapter 21 – Legacy Planning
A key principle in legacy planning is that you cannot
eliminate the big mistakes in an estate plan until you have
identified them. Every elder should stage a financial fire drill
with the assistance of the Elder Planning Counselor community. The
same caution should be exercises with estate planning as with
financial planning—if you are not a financial services professional,
work with someone who is, or stay away from this area completely.
This chapter will investigate the process of planning the
accumulation, conservation, and distribution of an estate in the
manner that most efficiently and effectively accomplishes the
elder’s personal tax and non-tax objectives.
Upon completing this chapter, the EPC will acquire the ability to
gather accurate, comprehensive, and useful information that is
efficiently developed using a data gathering system.
The EPC will study the major areas of estate planning such as: lack
of liquidity, improper disposition of assets, inflation, inadequate
income, or capital at retirement / death / disability, stabilization
and maximization of the value of assets, excessive transfer costs,
and special problems.
Chapter 22 – Income Tax Planning Considerations for the Elder
The objective for the EPC in personal income tax planning is to
minimize or defer income taxes payable for the elder. This requires
a general understanding of Canada’s Income Tax Act, and rulings put
forth by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), along with other events,
such as tax rulings in the courts.
The EPC will be in a position to recommend various tax saving
strategies that will keep the elder’s goals front and centre,
thereby maximizing any spendable income.
Again for this chapter, caution should be exercised. If you are not
in a profession that will allow you to provide complete and accurate
tax information, please let the experts handle it.
Upon completion of this segment, the EPC will be able to understand
which income sources constitute earned income, and which ones do
not. You will study tax deductions and tax credits, and how they
will affect your clients’ and prospects’ net income.
This chapter will look at how indexing can affect an individual’s
tax situation. You will be able to tell the difference between being
an employee of a company, and being self-employed.
The complex taxation of Life Insurance will be studied in a way that
makes it simple to understand.
You will have a working knowledge of Capital Gains, Capital Losses,
Deductions, Credits and other various different terminologies
pertaining to taxation.
Chapter 23 – Contrasts between American & Canadian Issues for the
EPC
Canadians comprise a mobile society. They look
for travel experiences; adventure, warmer climates, employment
opportunities and a sunny retirement in areas they perceive have a
lower cost of living. Some decide to move out of the country to
avoid, or at least reduce, the amount of income taxes they pay.
Others find out that they have become residents of another country
by accident, facing substantial tax costs.
Many Canadian elders spend time out of the
country, particularly in the United States, during the winter
months. These snowbirds may plan on moving to the U.S. permanently,
or look forward to spending certain months of the year south of the
border as an integral part of their retirement plans and lifestyle.
In either case, their time spent in the USA may cause them to be
deemed as residents of the U.S. for income taxes, estate taxes, or
both.
Conversely, they may no longer be deemed to be
residents of Canada, and put at risk government benefits, income tax
breaks, deductions, and credits. Those wanting to take advantage of
lower income tax rates in another country may find that the CRA
still considers them to be residents of Canada for income tax
purposes. In a worst-case scenario, they may be deemed to be
residents of both countries.
Many advisors working with elders do not ask or
adequately consider the impact on plans, programs, and lifestyles
for elders retiring or spending retirement time in the USA. Elders,
and the advisors working with them, owe it to themselves to be
cognizant of the ramifications of being deemed a U.S. resident. They
should also be aware of the similarities and differences in the
issues, options, and benefits discussed in previous chapters
affecting Elders.
Though Canadians may spend a lot of retirement
time in other countries, this chapter will focus on some of the
major topics as they relate to time spent in the U.S.
SEGMENT 4 DESCRIPTION – Communication & Other Timely Issues
Chapter 3 – How Society Deals With the Social Aspects of Aging
The EPC will learn and
describe how the various age cohorts will play a major part in the
future shaping of Canada’s aging population, by affecting the social
and economic experiences of the elder that will shape how Canada
ages.
The EPC will work more
effectively with their elder clients and prospects by using the
knowledge that they have acquired in their study of Gerontology,
Aging Theories, Family Structures, Changes and Losses in Later Life,
and Future Challenges.
Chapter 8 – Marketing to Elders
The EPC will learn why the elder market will be ‘the market’ of the
future to work in, regardless of what services or products they
offer. When they begin to work in this market, only then will they
experience growth in this segment of their client base.
Factors such as demographics and future trends will be looked at in
detail, in terms that the EPC can understand and appreciate. This
chapter will challenge the EPC to look at their own business
structure and see if it will meet the future needs of the elder
generations. Various methods of distribution such as direct mail,
referrals and the Internet will be studied with the intent of future
utilization in dealing with this increasing segment of the
population.
The participant will also be introduced to the art of seminar
selling in order to generate many results and cut back on the number
of one-on-one interviews that otherwise would be required to close
the same amount of sales.
Chapter 9 – Communicating with Elders
The principles of effective communication apply to all ages.
However, the way that we think and process information changes as we
mature. To reach the elder listener with a message that will
resonate, it is important to understand four key elements that the
communicator must possess in order to ensure that the listener
understands the message:
This chapter will provide you with an outline of the skills to allow
you to become an effective communicator with elders.
A common trait among successful people is their ability to be an
effective communicator. This is no different when dealing with the
elder population.
The EPC will cover topics such as stressing communication skills and
how to listen and respond to the needs of elders with verbal,
technological, and print mediums.
Chapter 12 – Elders and Fraud Abuse
The goal is to provide the
EPC with some basic information on how some individuals and
companies take advantage of the elderly. Some alternatives on how to
avoid fraud are suggested, although the best form of defence is – “If
it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!”
The EPC will look at some
common frauds that are committed against the elderly. As an EPC, it
is not your duty to protect or save all the elders in the world from
fraud. However, it should be considered part of the service that an
EPC offers, to provide the awareness that fraud exists and some ways
of avoiding it.
Chapter 13 – Ethics and Marketing to Elders
In order for the EPC to be ethical when
interacting with elders, they first need an understanding of what
ethics are, and what they stand for. A working knowledge of how to
create successful business practices that utilize ethics along with
the EPC Code of Conduct will help the participant to properly look
after and serve the elder’s needs.
The EPC will study ethical issues that affect
elders. Topics such as ethics, ethical theories, principles,
concepts, and business ethics will be looked at in detail. The EPC
will also become familiar with the EPC Code of Conduct and that for
which it stands.
Chapter 24 – Putting It All Into Perspective!
The Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies (CIEPS) has
endeavored to provide you, the student with some knowledge that will
not only provide some invaluable insight into the elder population,
but also enhance your relationship within your community and the
people with whom you do business.
The time that you have spent to achieve your Elder Planning
Counselor designation will ultimately be part of your value-added
proposition that you can pass on to the elders that you interact
with.
This designation is about people helping people. It is about helping
you to proactively position your practices or businesses to make
them even more ‘elder friendly.’ The EPC designation program that
you have just completed has used some traditional approaches and
strategies as we studied in our aging society, and the impact that
it will have on our futures.
Even with this said you have just begun an ongoing process—one that
will require you to keep on top of changing times and future
visions.
Elders have a completely different set of issues, concerns, and
values that need to be understood and appreciated as a total
package. Any concerns can be solved appropriately if they are
effectively addressed.
Our elder citizens or elders are an invaluable source of experience
and knowledge for younger generations. They are the heart of the
family and the foundation of your communities.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Fees
$395.00
+ GST/HST for each segment paid in advance of shipping.
What
Does the Student Receive?
The
student will receive the current segment/s that they enrolled for
along with the student workbook and a complete set of “Live” campus
DVD’s delivered by the CIEPS Faculty pertaining to the material
covered in the segment/s.
Cancellations
Students wishing to cancel courses are required to submit a written
notice and return all course materials intact, within 14 days of
receiving the materials. An administration cancellation fee of
$75.00 + GST/HST applies to all cancellations. After 14 days, there
will be no refunds.
Deadlines
Students must complete each segment within six months
of registering for each segment. If the student does not complete
the segment within that time frame, they must reregister and new
tuition fees will apply.
Review Questions
After
each segment there are a series of review questions that pertain to
the information contained in each segment. These questions do not
need to be turned in. They are designed to better prepare the
student for the EPC Final Qualification examination.
Segment Exams
Students must write their exam for each segment within six
months of registering for each segment. When they are ready
to write, a proctored location will be set between the proctor and
the student to allow the completion of the exam for each segment.
The student must attain 70% in order to move on to the next
segment. If the student does not pass, they will be offered another
opportunity to re-write the current segment exam at an additional
cost of $50 + GST/HST.
Only
one rewrite will be allowed within 60 days of the original exam
writing. Upon successful passing of the segment, the student will be
granted a Certificate of Achievement for the current segment.
EPC
Qualification Examination
After
the fourth segment is completed, the student will be offered the
opportunity to write the proctored Elder Planning Counselor (EPC)
Designation Final Qualification exam.
Upon
attaining a passing grade of at least 70%, the student will be
granted the EPC mark by Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning
Studies (CIEPS) and entitled to all benefits that the EPC
Designation provides.