We were all shocked by the news that Barbara Windsor had been diagnosed with dementia in 2014 when the news hit the media last year.

Debbie Duggan, our Dementia Specialist & Chartered Legal Executive was particularly moved by the news of Barbara who was a familiar face on her TV screen. During her early childhood she has fond memories from watching the Carry On films with her family and more recently her regular TV appearances that made her such a recognised personality.

During Barbara’s journey she and her husband have been able to draw upon their experiences and Barbara’s popularity to raise the profile of   dementia in our society and to bring to the forefront difficulties which are encountered by people living with dementia and their families on a daily basis.

Our specialist team of lawyers at Lamb Brooks are regularly confronted with a minefield of legal questions from people living with dementia and their family members at different stages of their journey, for example:

• How can I make sure my wishes are listened to even when I am not able to communicate them myself?

• How can I be sure that the person very close to me will be taken notice of?

• When should I think about Lasting Powers of Attorney and what are the important things that should be included?

• What will happen if I can’t look after myself or my family can’t look after me?

• Will they make me sell my house?

• What am I entitled to?

• Is my family member entitled to NHS Continuing Health Care?

• What help can I get from the Local Authority?

• How do I make sure that my family are provided for when I am no longer able to?

• What happens if someone has not made a Lasting Power of Attorney and has now lost mental capacity?

• What is the Court of Protection and how are they involved?

• I am acting as an Attorney, what can I do?

Lamb Brooks have the largest private client team in North Hampshire, specialising in elderly and vulnerable client care. Our team are Dementia Friends and are members of STEP (Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners) and Solicitors for the Elderly.

Their gentle, patient yet professional approach is often commented on by clients and their families as they help support them through difficult family times.

If you need legal guidance for a relative with dementia or are concerned about your own legal affairs should something happen to you, then please get in touch with Debbie Duggan on 01256 84488 or email debbie.duggan@lambbrooks.com today.

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.  The law may have changed since this article was published.   Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.