September is Dementia Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how we can prepare for the future with clarity and compassion. One of the most important steps you can take is setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

An LPA allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so. These decisions could relate to your health, welfare, property, or finances. For families facing a dementia diagnosis, having an LPA in place brings peace of mind and avoids the stress of urgent decisions without legal authority.

Why Early Planning Matters

Dementia can progress gradually, often before anyone realises how much decision-making ability is being affected. By arranging LPAs early, while you have full mental capacity, you ensure your wishes are clearly recorded and legally protected. Waiting until capacity is lost means families will need to apply to the Court of Protection, a slower and more expensive process.

The Benefits of LPAs

• Control: You decide who makes decisions for you and in what circumstances.

• Clarity: Your family knows your preferences, reducing uncertainty and disputes.

• Security: Legal authority prevents delays in accessing funds or making care arrangements.

• Peace of mind: Both for you and those you love.

Taking the First Step

Dementia Awareness Month reminds us that planning ahead is not about giving up control, it is about keeping it. An LPA is not just for those already facing illness, it is a safeguard for anyone who wants to protect their future.

If you would like to know more about how to put LPAs in place, our specialist team can guide you through each step with care and clarity. Contact us today to start the conversation.