Dementia Awareness Week 2017 - Taking action for a dementia friendly Norfolk

Dementia Awareness Week 2017 - Taking action for a dementia friendly Norfolk

We recently joined Norwich City Dementia Action Alliance and have made a number of pledges to play our part in making Norwich a more welcoming and helpful place for people living with dementia. We are also members of Sheringham Dementia Friendly Community Group and support the group to ensure the right local structure is in place to maintain a sustainable dementia-friendly community and to raise awareness about dementia in key organisations and businesses within the community that support people with dementia.

We regularly hold dementia awareness sessions and training workshops to help raise awareness, understand what it's like to live with dementia and to help create a dementia friendly community. In December 2016, Clapham & Collinge Solicitors and Age UK Norfolk delivered a training session for businesses and individuals including advice on recognising and handling the symptoms of dementia, tips on what you can do as an employer, advice on how to make your business dementia friendly and the legal consequences of dementia.

With one of the largest private client departments in Norfolk specialising in advising elderly clients, we are continually striving to inform the public on the legal and financial implications of dementia. Lin Whitehead, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate Department said: ''If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with dementia you should consider whether two legal documents are in place – a Will and a Lasting Power of Attorney. A Will allows you to decide what happens to your property and possessions upon death and choose who they are bequeathed to. Having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place is just as important as having a Will. It gives you the reassurance of knowing your wishes will be respected if you become unable to make decisions for yourself, and it enables people you choose to have access to your finances to make payments on your behalf.''

Lin Whitehead, who is also a Professional Member of Solicitors for the Elderly and Court of Protection Solicitor continues: ''Recent statistics show that only 43% of people in the East of England have a Will in place and even fewer have a Lasting Power of Attorney. I would always advise my clients to plan ahead for later life and have those important conversations with their loved ones while they can. All of our lawyers are 'dementia friends' and we are proud to be a dementia friendly business.''

In support of Dementia Awareness Week 2017, we are offering a 25% discount on Lasting Powers of Attorney. To claim your discount, contact us on 01603 693500 or email us using the 'Make an enquiry' form from Monday 15th May – Friday 19th May to book an appointment (the appointment can take place any time after this week until 31st May 2017).

Our next Dementia Training Workshop is taking place on Saturday 24th June from 10.00am - 12.00pm, click here for more information or to book your place.