F Barnes welcomed Sue Anderson of Havering Dementia Action Alliance to their Gidea Park office
We were delighted to be given the chance to receive in-house Dementia training so we could better understand what living with Dementia is like.
All of the private client team at F Barnes were present for the training as we can see how important it is for us, as legal representatives to have a better understanding of what it is like living with Dementia and indeed spotting the early signs of this incurable disease.
This was a very interesting session which included the chance to experience what day to day tasks are like when you suffer with Dementia through virtual reality goggles.
In our profession we have to have a good understanding of someone's mental capacity in order for us to accept instructions. There are key tests to be applied under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 when there is doubt as to someone's mental capacity.
We do offer free seminars to local care or nursing homes and similar organisations in relation to the legal steps we take to ensure someone's wishes are carried out and their loved ones are protected.
As solicitors we are often one of the first people someone contacts if they feel they are losing mental capacity as they have a sense that they need to sort out their affairs. For us it was extremely important that we joined the 'Havering Dementia Action Alliance Group' so we could become an active member.
In essence, we hope that by having a clearer understanding we can assist our clients better.
It shocked us to learn that Dementia is now the biggest healthcare challenge in the UK. This has overtaken cancer with one person being diagnosed every three minutes.
The five key messages we learned today were:
- Dementia is not a natural part of ageing
- Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain
- Dementia is not just about losing your memory - it can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday tasks
- It's possible to live well with Dementia
- There's more to a person than the Dementia
Thank you Sue for giving us a real insight into living with Dementia.
If you are worried about an elderly parent or loved one and would like some advice then please do not delay in giving us a call. It is far easier to sort out your legal affairs whilst we can assume you still have mental capacity. Call 01708 745183 or email reception@fbarnes.co.uk
If you are a care home, nursing home or a local organisation that feels they would benefit from our team visiting your premises to advise on planning for the future in terms of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Estate Planning please email Joanne Druce. This can be arranged for free as part of our commitment to the Havering community.
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