This week is Dementia Action Week, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, which aims to raise awareness of the condition which is affecting more and more of us, and taking its toll on families across the country.
It’s a startling statistic but as things stand, by 2030 80% of people in the UK are likely to have some form of dementia. It is our nation’s biggest killer.
But there is some fantastic work and research being done, and we do know that the earlier a diagnosis is made, the better the quality of life for the person who is living with the condition.
One way we can prepare for the possibility of getting dementia, is by drawing up a Lasting Power of Attorney, so that our families and loved ones can manage our affairs, should we lose capacity.
There are two types of LPA:
Both LPAs need to be registered at the Office of Public Guardian, before they can be used. The property and financial affairs LPA can be used as soon as it has been registered, while that for health and welfare may be used only when the donor becomes mentally incapable.
The team here at Optimum can chat to you about what you think is best for you and what is involved in drawing up an LPA.
As part of Dementia Action Week, the Alzheimer’s Society is asking everyone to take actions big or small to improve the lives of people affected by dementia
Here are some ideas:
For more information about Dementia Action Week, please visit the Alzheimer’s Society. To talk about a Lasting Power of Attorney, please get in touch for a no obligation chat.
