Alzheimer’s is on the rise, with over 50 million people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia throughout the world. Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. The theme of 2022's World Alzheimer's Day is ‘Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s’ giving a special focus on supporting people and their families post-diagnosis.
In this blog, Debbie Duggan, our Court of Protection & Dementia Specialist at Lamb Brooks, shares some practical advice for families who have recently received a diagnosis of dementia…
Overview of Alzheimer’s
Many people will have heard of Alzheimer’s or will have a basic understanding as it is the most common form of dementia. Between 60% -70% of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s related. It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that typically starts slowly and gradually worsens over time, however it can affect people differently. Alzheimer’s tends to effect people over 65, but it is important to understand that it is not a normal part of aging.
What can start with some mild-moderate memory loss will later develop into irreversible damage to the brain that causes disruption in cognition, personality and other functions.
Loved One Diagnosed with Dementia – Initial Considerations
- Care Plan
- Safety
- Emotional Support
- Legal Protection
Next Steps for Legal Protection
Appointing someone with the responsibility to make decisions on their behalf is a steadfast way to ensure that no matter how rapidly their dementia progresses, that your loved one is taken care of.
It is important to tie up affairs sooner rather than later whilst they still have the mental capacity to make important decisions and direct the instructions of a Solicitor. This can be done later down the line, but the process does become more complicated, slower and more costly.
Lasting Power of Attorney
If they do not already have one, put in place a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone else to act on your behalf once capacity is lost. There are two different types of LPA. One for finances and property (for example, managing bank accounts, pensions, buying or selling property) and one for health and welfare (consent, medical treatments, living arrangements and personal care).
Wills
It would be sensible to check that they have written a Will, and if so, that it is valid, up-to-date and still reflects their wishes and intentions. Changes to an existing Will or writing a Will for the first time can become much more complex once someone has started to lose their mental capacity. If a Will is not in place then the rules of Intestacy will come into play or family could apply to the Court of Protection to make a statutory Will.
Next Steps
If you have concerns around dementia and the mental capacity of a vulnerable or elderly relative, we can offer a Fixed Fee appointment with a specialist, who can guide you through sensible planning options and help you to put in place legal protection for the future.
Please call us on 01256 844888, email enquiries@lambbrooks.com or speak to our online chat assistant (who is a real person, not a robot) via our website.
We look forward to helping you find some reassurance and protection for your loved one.