More at Warner Goodman become Dementia Friends

The Private Client and Financial Services team of Warner Goodman LLP recently renewed their Dementia Friends training, with more members of the teams also taking part.  Jane Cox, Private Client Partner, explains here why they decided to expand their training in the field, and why local businesses should consider the needs of those with dementia when using their services.

John James from Home Instead delivered the training during which he presented the team with some startling facts regarding the number of those living with dementia in the UK.  By 2025 there will be 1 million people living with dementia in the UK, with that number rising to 2 million by 2050.  “One of the facts that shocked the group the most was that dementia is the biggest killer of those over 65; not other illnesses that you would think of such as heart disease or cancer,” begins Jane.  “While it is often thought of as an elderly person’s disease, there are 40,000 people under 65 with dementia, including one man from Fareham who is just 37 years of age.”

What is dementia?

Dementia describes different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function. These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe. There are two main forms of dementia; Alzheimer’s which accounts for approximately 60% of dementia cases, and vascular dementia which accounts for approximately 20%.  During the session with the teams, John demonstrated the different symptoms that can come from these types of dementia, using real life examples from his own experience to demonstrate the very real impact on every day life for those diagnosed. 

“John was excellent in explaining to us how those with dementia are not able to perform certain tasks we may take for granted,” continues Jane.  “Things such as what order we should get dressed, being able to process a conversation at the same rate as others in the room and recalling what every day items are called.  It is for this reason it is so important that local businesses appreciate the difficulties that people may have if they have dementia, that they are patient and take their time to allow that person to understand what is happening at their own pace and consider any small changes that could made to their premises that could help.”

How can I prepare for dementia in the future?

There is currently no cure for dementia however it is suggested that eating healthily and keeping mentally and physically active can help delay any onset of the symptoms.  “None of us know what will happen to us in the future, which is why we should all prepare for any eventuality,” concludes Jane.  “Making a Will and a Lasting Power of Attorney is a vital step in doing just this, as they will ensure your wishes are met should you pass away or should you lose mental capacity to make every day decisions yourself.”

To find out more about how your business can become a Dementia Friend, or to enquire as to how to make a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney, you can contact Jane or a member of the Private Client team on 01329 222075 or email justinealexander@warnergoodman.co.uk.  To find out how Home Instead could work with you and your loved ones to keep them in their own home while living with dementia, you can visit their website www.homeinstead.co.uk or email John James at john.james@homeinstead.co.uk.

ENDS

This is for information purposes only and is no substitute for, and should not be interpreted as, legal advice.  All content was correct at the time of publishing and we cannot be held responsible for any changes that may invalidate this article.