Dementia Action Week 2021
Alzheimer's Society invites all to act to improve the lives of people affected by dementia
Planning for the future
It’s great when we are all in good health and are able to make our own decisions. However, what can we do to make sure our wishes are carried out if we were unable to make those decisions ourselves? As we age it is important that we think about how we can protect ourselves and our families.
Sometimes it is difficult to think about and prepare for changes in our lives. However, sadly, events can happen that we have no control over. Whilst we may be in good health now, we do not know what may happen, so it is good to prepare against illnesses such as Dementia, memory loss, stroke or an event that may impact on our ability to make decisions.
Facts about Dementia
In the UK, there are about 800,000 people with dementia; it is estimated that around 400,000 people have dementia but do not know it. By raising awareness about this condition, it is hoped that more people will be diagnosed earlier. This would give more time for them to come to terms with future symptoms.
Dementia Action Week
Dementia Action Week will take place on 17 – 23 May. This is a national event that sees the UK public taking action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.
Dementia Action Week is supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, the UK charity which provides support and research for those affected by dementia.
Find out more about Dementia Action Week and how you can get involved.
Keeping Your Brain Healthy
Following on from Dementia Action Week, Medical Adviser Dr Susan Brennan held a Health Forum on what we can do to keep our brain’s health at an optimum.
As we age we all start to notice some changes in our ability to remember things. This Forum will help you understand more about how your brain functions optimally and what you can do to maintain healthy brain function.
Planning for the future – So what can I do?
To give you peace of mind that in the event that you cannot make decisions over your health and finances, you should make sure that you have an up-to-date Will in place and appoint a Lasting Power Attorney.
The importance of writing a Will
Making a Will tells everyone what should happen to your money, possessions and property after you die. All of these things are known as your ‘estate’.
If you don’t have a Will in place, the law will decide how your estate is passed on – and this may not be in line with your wishes.
Without a Will, the process can also be more time consuming and stressful for your spouse and / or family members to manage.
See our Making A Will page for further information.
You can also read our factsheet on ‘Making a Will’.
Why is it important to have a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Having a Lasting Power of Attorney will ensure that if you are unable to make decisions for yourself, for example due to an accident or illness, your wishes and decisions about your money and health are carried out as you want.
What does a Power of Attorney do?
When you think about a Power of Attorney you will probably think about finance. However, there are two types of Powers of Attorney:
- Property & Financial Affairs
- Health & Welfare
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint another person to act on your behalf regarding health and financial decisions.
See our Lasting Power of Attorney page for further information.
You can also read our factsheet on 'Lasting Power of Attorney'.
Future Money Matters Event
We are hosting an on-line ‘Future Money Matters Event’ which will be held 22-25 June. This will include information on Power of Attorney and writing a Will.
To find out more information and to book a place, visit our Future Money Matters Event page.
Further information and support
Health - If you would like to speak to anyone about any health issues that you are experiencing, please contact the Health & Wellbeing team on 01480 474074.
Finance - If you would like some advice on writing a Will or appointing a Lasting Power of Attorney, please speak with Jeff Prevost from the Finance team on 01480 474074.
