One in three people will develop dementia in their lifetime. As an ever-increasing section of society is affected it is important to understand how living with dementia can impact a person’s ability to deal with their finances and making decisions about their own health and welfare.

The team at Timms Solicitors have many years of experience in assisting clients and their families.

Lasting Power of Attorney

Alzheimer’s is just one type of dementia this unfortunately will get progressively worse. Usually, the first symptom of Alzheimer's is memory loss, but it can impact a person in many different ways.

It is important to recognise that someone with dementia, might still have the mental capacity for some time to continue life as normal. If this is the case, it is important to consider preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney as soon as possible.

If there are any concerns regarding mental capacity, then it might be appropriate for a capacity assessment to be carried out.

You can find out more about the types of Lasting Power of Attorney here:- Duties of a Property & Financial Attorney and Health & Welfare LPAs.

Court of Protection

Unfortunately, there are times when it is too late to prepare a Lasting Power of Attorney as the person is considered to have already lost their mental capacity. If this is the case, then our experienced team can advise you in relation to a Court of Protection application.

When somebody is assessed as lacking mental capacity, a deputyship application should be made to the Court of Protection to appoint someone to manage that person’s property and financial affairs.

The person appointed by the Court is known as the ‘deputy’ and frequently, this is a family member or close friend.

Making a Court of Protection application can be time consuming and costly, so it is important that the proposed deputies have the appropriate advice to make the process as quick and easy as possible. Our Wills & Probate team offer support, guidance and empathy for proposed deputies.

Find more about Court of Protections applications here:- Court of Protection Applications

How Can Timms Help?

At Timms Solicitors many of our team are Members of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly) and all have participated in the Dementia Friends initiative with the Alzheimer's Society.

For further information, please contact me at m.lovell@timms-law.com or on 01530 564498.