This Alzheimer’s Awareness month, we are shining a light on the amazing work our Solicitors do.
Alzheimer’s affects nearly 50 million people worldwide, yet much is still unknown about the disease. From knowing what causes Alzheimer’s to finding a drug to cure or slow it down, Scientists have got a long way to go.
What we do know, however, is how to improve the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s and the families who support them. Read on to see how our solicitors can help those affected in Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and thereafter.
What our solicitors do
Court of Protection
Alzheimer’s disease causes dementia by damaging the brain. This leads to memory loss and difficulty thinking, solving problems and making sentences. The changes can start small but then increase in intensity and begin affecting mood and behaviour.
When someone loses this mental capacity, they struggle to make decisions for themselves. They may need help managing their finances, deciding where to live or making healthcare decisions.
The Court of Protection will decide whether someone has the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. If a person is assessed as lacking capacity, the Court Of Protection is able to appoint deputies to make ongoing decisions. We have a dedicated Court of Protection team who are able to assist with Court of Protection deputyship applications and provide specific and specialist advice on Court of Protection matters.
Going through the Court of Protection can be time consuming and complex, so it is important you have the right solicitor who can make this process as quick and easy as possible. Our Solicitors are approachable and friendly and we offer support, advice and assistance, often at times when families are suffering to adjust or in their hour of need.
Find more about Court of Protection here.
Lasting Power of Attorney
A person with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease may want a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf. This person will be your Attorney for either finances, health and welfare, or both. You can have more than one Attorney.
Whilst you have sufficient capacity, it is recommended that you appoint an Attorney who can help you to make decisions or make decisions on your behalf. An Attorney is appointed by signing a legal document called a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’. Our Private Client team can support you with the correct drafting and registration of your Lasting Power of Attorney.
We are able to offer advice as to how the Power of Attorney works in practice, and we can support you to draw up a document detailing who will receive the lasting power of attorney. This will be done as quickly and easily as possible, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands if you do lose capacity in the future.
Find more about Lasting Power of Attorney here.
Going the extra mile
Our Court of Protection team continue to go the extra mile for whom we act for as either Professional Attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney, or Professional Court of Protection Deputy. The Court of Protection team take a holistic approach to their work to ensure that the clients they act for are able to enjoy their life despite their diagnosis.
This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we are hearing from Ann Smith, Paralegal from our Private Client team. She explains that getting to know our clients is really important. It helps us to make informed decisions on their behalf, with knowledge of their past wishes, feelings, likes and needs. “When shopping for clothes, we use this information to buy items we know they would like- from choosing their favourite colour to specific clothes styles and sizes.”
We also put knowledge of clients’ hobbies to good use by organising trips and days out. “One particular client lives at home and previously loved fishing. With this information, we are now looking into arranging a fishing trip for him.” Participating in meaningful activities is incredibly important for someone with Alzheimer’s; improving their general wellbeing and connection with themselves.
Get support this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
If you, or someone you know, has been affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and would like support, you can contact us on 0161 969 3131 or fill in our contact form and one of the team will be in touch.
Alternatively, there is a range of advice available on the Alzheimer’s Society website. Or you can give them a call on 0333 150 3456 to find the right support for you.