Dementia

Dementia is an ever-increasing challenge. The UK population is living for longer, and as we age, the risk of dementia-related issues increases.

• It is estimated that in the UK, there are more than 944,000 people currently living with some form of dementia. 
• The condition primarily affects those over 65, with the likelihood of developing dementia roughly doubling every five years.
• In some cases, dementia can develop earlier, bringing different challenges for the individual affected.
• The impact of the disease extends beyond the person themselves, affecting their family, friends, and carers alike.

Carers

The NHS estimates that one in three people will care for someone with dementia at some point in their lives. 

There are approximately 540,000 dementia carers in the UK: 

• 270,000 are employed
• 66,000 have reduced their working hours
• 50,000 have left work altogether

The economic impact of dementia care is thought to be around £23 billion a year, and experts predict this could triple by 2040, surpassing the costs of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. 

Support is available from the NHS and charities such as Dementia UK and the Alzheimer’s Society, which offer guidance and practical help for carers. 

Source: NHS

How to protect your future:

Planning for later life can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. There are two key steps that can make all the difference, and we can help you with both. 

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to give someone you trust (aged 18 or over) the legal authority to make financial and/or health and welfare decisions on your behalf.

It’s important to have an LPA for your financial affairs and one for your health. This gives you the comfort of knowing who will make decisions on your behalf should you lose your mental capacity, for example, due to dementia. 

Find out more about Lasting Power of Attorney
Download our Guide to Lasting Power of Attorney

Make a Will

A will is simply a formal instruction of what you want to happen to your property and possessions in the event of your death. You must be aged 18 or over to write a will. 

Having a will ensures your wishes are respected, giving you and your loved ones clarity and certainty about what happens to your estate. 

Find out more about writing a will
Download our Guide to Writing a Will

Please call our Wills, Probate & Later Life Planning team on 01535 662644 to talk through all your options.