The Alzheimer's Society predict that by 2021, 1 million people in the UK will be living with dementia. It is therefore more essential than ever that dementia awareness is brought to the forefront of everybody's attention.
At SJP Law we feel that supporting the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Awareness Week (14 - 20 May 2017) is a great way to raise dementia awareness around the office and to our wider network of contacts.
Bethany Fraser, a Solicitor at the firm, is a trained Dementia Champion who has previously led a number of Dementia Friends Information Sessions within the firm, to develop awareness and understanding of living with Dementia. Bethany commented:
'Raising Dementia Awareness is a cause that I am passionate about promoting; both from a personal and professional perspective.
Personally I have family members and friends that are affected by dementia, either because they live with the disease or they care for a relative with the condition. Professionally, I am able to support and assist individuals to plan for the future as well as being able to signpost clients to the local support services available to people living with and affected by dementia.
A diagnosis of dementia is a very distressing time for all involved, particularly for the person with the condition, not least because they have to face the harsh reality of potentially losing the ability to manage their own personal affairs and make important decisions regarding their health and care.
There are a number of steps that can be taken to ensure that practically and legally a person living with dementia can ensure that they have appointed trusted family, friends or even professional advisers to assist in looking after their personal affairs should they become practically unable or incapable of doing so themselves in the future.'
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and certainly not inevitable although as the Alzheimer's Society advise the disease does not discriminate.
It is a common misconception that dementia only affects older people. In actual fact over 40,000 people under the age of 65 in the UK have dementia. This statistic brings into sharp focus that it is never too soon to plan for the future.
Our specialist Wealth Management team can provide support and advice to individuals and families affected by dementia, including advice regarding the creation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyships.
SJP Law are actively working to become Dementia Friendly. As members of both the East Riding Dementia Action Alliance and Hull Dementia Action Alliance we have put together an Action Plan setting out how we can play a role in raising dementia awareness and the steps that we are taking to be a dementia friendly firm.
As a Dementia Champion Bethany can provide Dementia Friends information sessions to members of the public, local businesses, care homes and charities. To find out more about becoming a Dementia Friend or Dementia Champion please contact Bethany on 01482 324591.
