June marks Alzheimer’s Society’s Forget Me Not Appeal, a national campaign to raise awareness of dementia and to support the 900,000 people currently living with the condition in the UK. At O’Donnell Solicitors, our Private Client team is proud to support this vital cause, highlighting the importance of planning ahead to protect yourself and your loved ones.
None of us likes to imagine a time when we may lose the ability to make decisions for ourselves. However, the reality is conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can affect any of us, often with little warning.
Following a dementia diagnosis, medical support plays a crucial role. Alongside this, legal planning is equally important to ensure that your wishes are respected and that your family can act on your behalf, if needed.
One of the most effective ways to plan for the future is to put in place Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). These legal documents allow you to appoint trusted individuals (usually family members or close friends) to make decisions about your health and welfare, and your property and finances, should you become unable to do so yourself.
The Benefits of Having an LPA in Place
Drafting an LPA with the help of a solicitor is quick and straightforward. Many clients tell us that they find the process very easy and that they feel a sense of relief once it’s been done. The other benefits include:
- Peace of mind – knowing that the person(s) you have chosen will act in your best interests.
- Avoiding delays – without an LPA, families would need to face a lengthy and costly Court of Protection application to apply for access to finances.
- Reduced stress – an LPA removes uncertainty at a time when emotions may already be running high.
How We Can Help
Our Private Client team, led by Jill Waddington, specialises in supporting individuals and families to plan for the future with sensitivity and understanding. We take the time to explain the process clearly and guide you through each step, from choosing your attorneys to registering the LPA.
We also work closely with clients who may be in the early stages of dementia, ensuring that their wishes are respected while they still have the capacity to make decisions.
Speak to our Team Today
If you’d like to speak to someone about setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney or have questions about planning for the future, contact our Private Client team at O’Donnell Solicitors. A free initial consultation is available, and we’re here to help with compassionate, expert advice.
This June, we’re proud to support the Forget Me Not Appeal and the work of the Alzheimer’s Society. If you’d like to find out more or donate to the appeal, please visit: Alzheimer’s Society Forget Me Not Appeal.
