Dementia – whether for the person with the diagnosis, a carer or family member – will undoubtedly trigger a series of life-changing social, emotional and financial concerns and priorities.
May 21-27 is Dementia Action Week, as part of the Alzheimer’s Society campaign to get people talking about dementia and raise awareness of the condition.
There are a series of events planned across the country, and communities are being encouraged to stage their own profile-raising initiatives.
Dementia is becoming less of a taboo subject, and with the recent news that Dame Barbara Windsor has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease – the illness and its life-changing effects are being talked about more than ever before. But what about the legal aspect of dementia and dementia care questions?
Stephen Duffy, partner at Buckles Solicitors LLP and a member of the Peterborough Dementia Action Alliance (PDAA), is an expert in this legal field – working with, and advising dementia and elderly people’s charities and organisations for more than a decade.
“In many cases, the person with dementia, their carer or family member really do not know where to start when it comes to these and the many other important questions they are faced with,” said Stephen.
“Some are daunted by the fact that they need to speak to a solicitor in the first place, whilst others are concerned that a family member may not be able to answer questions when asked, and so this can all lead to putting off seeking what can be very important and beneficial advice.
“My approach is not to talk legalese, but to outline all of the important issues in a clear, concise and uncomplicated way.
Stephen added: “The questions seem endless, and to a family facing a very difficult time emotionally, it can seem confusing and very daunting.
“My job is to make it as easy as possible for all concerned – and my advice is always to plan ahead and get the right advice at the right time.
“Making decisions about the future is always easier without feeling the pressure of doing so within a certain time frame.
“Writing a Will or signing a Power of Attorney can be likened to taking out house insurance or breakdown cover. You may not need it right away, but it is there as and when you do – and the earlier you get your family affairs in order, the better.”
Legal issues to consider could include:
- When should I write my Will?
- When should I sign a Power of Attorney, and can I still make my own decisions after I have done so?
- Do I even need a Will or Power of Attorney?
- What if my loved one is no longer capable of dealing with their finances – can I do that for them?
- As my loved one’s next of kin, can I make medical and care decisions for them?
- Will all my finances be swallowed up by care home fees should I need to leave my home?
- When is someone’s care paid for in full by the NHS?
Stephen added: “Dementia and the issues surrounding the illness have certainly become less taboo, with more and more people talking about and sharing their experiences, charities doing wonderful work in promoting support and awareness and media interest in the whole issue.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Society:
- There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. This will soar to 2 million by 2051.
- 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes.
- 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia.
- 70 per cent of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems.
- There are over 40,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK.
- More than 25,000 people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK are affected.
- Two thirds of the cost of dementia is paid by people with dementia and their families.
- Unpaid carers supporting someone with dementia save the economy £11 billion a year.
For more details on Dementia Action Week visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week
