World Alzheimer's Day: Specialist legal support for people living with dementia

World Alzheimer's Day on 21^st September shines a spotlight on the millions of people worldwide living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and recognise the support needed by individuals and families affected by the condition.

With an estimated 982,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK, the need for specialist support continues to grow. While dementia is often associated with older age, around 70,000 people in the UK are living with young-onset dementia, demonstrating that the condition can affect people and families at many different stages of life.

At Porter Dodson, supporting vulnerable clients is at the heart of the firm's specialist Court of Protection work. Led by Senior Associate Charlotte Cole, the Court of Protection team helps individuals who have lost the capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, as well as the families navigating the legal and practical challenges that often accompany a dementia diagnosis.

Specialist expertise for complex situations

Dementia can affect a person's memory, communication, decision-making and ability to manage their affairs. As symptoms progress, families can be faced with difficult decisions relating to finances, property, health and welfare.

The Court of Protection team at Porter Dodson assists clients in a range of areas, including:

• Applications to the Court of Protection.
• Deputyship appointments for property and financial affairs.
• Decisions relating to health and welfare.
• Mental capacity assessments and best-interest decisions.
• Ongoing management of financial affairs for vulnerable individuals.
• Care planning and funding
• Supporting family members through complex legal processes.

The firm also acts as a Professional Deputy/Attorney for clients, taking responsibility for managing financial affairs where individuals are no longer able to do so themselves. This specialist role provides reassurance to clients and their families that important decisions are being made in their best interests and with appropriate professional oversight.

Demand for these services has continued to increase, reflecting both growing awareness of dementia and the complexity of the legal issues families often face. As a result, the Court of Protection team at Porter Dodson has expanded significantly and recently welcomed new Associate, Amelia Carling, alongside further growth across the wider team, strengthening its ability to support more clients across the region.

Charlotte Cole said:

“Many members of Porter Dodson’s Court of Protection team have personal experience of caring for loved ones living with dementia. This first-hand understanding gives the team valuable insight into the practical, financial and emotional challenges faced by people living with dementia and their families.

Combining this personal experience with specialist legal expertise, the team is able to support clients and their families in navigating the complex legal issues that can arise, with compassion, dignity and sensitivity.

From applying to the Court of Protection for authority to manage a loved one’s finances, to helping families secure the appropriate care funding, Our specialist team provides practical, expert advice and support at what can be an extremely challenging time.”

Understanding dementia beyond the law

Members of the Court of Protection team regularly meet people living with dementia, including many whose symptoms may not be immediately apparent.

Recognising that legal expertise alone is not enough, Porter Dodson is investing in ongoing dementia awareness training to help colleagues across the firm better understand the experiences of clients living with the condition and identify ways to improve the support they provide.

As part of this commitment, the firm will welcome the Dementia Bus, organised by Home Instead Care, to its Taunton and Yeovil offices on 24^th September.

The immersive experience allows staff to gain a first-hand understanding of how dementia can affect perception, communication and everyday interactions. Through a series of sensory simulations, participants experience some of the challenges that individuals living with dementia may encounter in their daily lives.

A long-term commitment

For Porter Dodson, dementia awareness is not limited to World Alzheimer's Day.

The Dementia Bus experience and training sessions form part of a wider, ongoing commitment to ensuring that colleagues across the firm are equipped to understand and respond effectively to the needs of clients living with dementia.

By combining specialist legal expertise with greater awareness and understanding, Porter Dodson aims to create an environment where clients feel supported, respected and empowered throughout their legal journey.

For more information about our Court of Protection services, visit - Court of Protection, Mental Capacity and Care