Take a pause for thought as Alzheimer's awareness week approaches

As Alzheimer's awareness week is upon us (6-12 July), we are encouraged to take a pause for thought for those suffering from dementia of all forms, and their carers, the unsung heroes in our society who work tirelessly and who have to deal with the illness 52 weeks of the year with no respite. Unpaid carers save the economy around £6 billion a year, with two thirds of people in the late stage of dementia living at home, meaning families bear the biggest burden.

According to latest figures from the Alzheimer's Society there are over 700,000 people in the UK suffering from dementia, with our aging population, this is set to hit the one million mark by 2025. Currently Bury has around 2,100 sufferers, with approximately 1,440 of these being female. It is predicted that by 2021, the number will increase with around 2,800 sufferers in Bury, approximately 1,700 of those being female.

Shefali Talukdar, of Bury based solicitors Clough & Willis Solicitors says, "no one can be sure of what the future holds, however there are plenty of things you can do to give you peace of mind and protect those close to you. Since October 2007, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA's) have replaced the old Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA's). To put an LPA in place you must have the mental capacity to do so, you can then choose who you would like to have authority to deal with your affairs (your "Attorney") when necessary. This may be immediately or in the event that you become mentally incapacitated. You may restrict the powers you give to your Attorney so that they can only carry out transactions you are happy for them to deal with. There are two types of LPA, a Property and Affairs LPA and a Personal Welfare LPA, depending on what decisions you would like your Attorney to make. Anyone over the age of 18 with the requisite capacity can put an LPA in place."

"If someone does become mentally incapable and there are no provisions in place (ie, LPA or EPA), this is where it becomes more difficult for carers. They not only have to deal with looking after the person who is suffering from dementia, but the may also experience difficulties and frustrations in doing simple things such as paying that persons household bills as they have not been given the authority to do so. In these situations it would then be necessary for a friend, relative or solicitor to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order, which can often be both complicated and time consuming."

The Bury Outreach Support group of the Manchester Branch Alzheimer's Society meets at the Pinfold Lane Centre, Pinfold Lane, Whitefield on the last Thursday of each month 7.00pm - 9.00pm. At the meetings there are often guests speakers who talk about their areas of expertise as well as other professionals who can give help and advice. Carers also find it beneficial to meet other carers and share experiences.

For more information the Centre can be contacted Monday - Friday by phoning 0161 253 7568.

For further information in relation to dementia or to find out how you can support the organisation locally visit www.alzheimers.org.uk

Clough & Willis' Solicitors provide legal advice and services for legal issues such as Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) , as well as trust and tax planning and wills and probates. For free initial legal advice you can contact Clough & Willis Solicitors on telephone 0800 083 0815 .