As important as it is to consider preparing documents, such as Lasting Powers of Attorney, to ensure that your finances and health decisions are kept in order should you no longer be able to look after your own affairs, it is equally important to ensure that you have the right people in place to do so.

Ramsdens Burn & Co, at their York and Easingwold offices, has been recogised by Cancer Research UK after facilitating over £1.79 million worth of gifts from people choosing to leave a legacy to the charity in their will.

September marks the start of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month https://www.worldalzmonth.org/ with World Alzheimer's Day taking place on 21 September 2018.

An article out in yesterday’s Daily Mail Online has indicated that up to 1.5 million people have been sold “rip-off wills” by our high street banks. You may recall that during the 1990’s and early 2000’s a number of banks were offering will writing services as an added extra to their accounts and mortgage deals. Some banks offered free wills provided that you had a certain account with them or offered wills at what was considered a discounted rate compared to those offered by solicitors and will specialists. Although initially confirming your wishes about what would happen to your money and property when you passed away, some of these wills included onerous provisions in the small print that could end up leaving your proposed beneficiaries with a lot less than what you had intended.

The understanding and awareness of Dementia is increasing as more and more people are willing to speak out about their experiences, take action and break down barriers and stigmas. We appreciate that the subjects of capacity, memory, Wills and death can be daunting to talk about, but they are necessary discussions to have. If you are uncertain on how best to talk about these subjects, possibly because you are unsure how you would go about getting your legal affairs in order; or, you just don’t feel you need to; or, something else entirely, then discussing these earlier on in your life is a positive step, as you will be better equipped to deal with life’s rollercoaster.

‘Our mission is to transform the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will strive to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.’– Alzheimer’s Society

There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. This will soar to 2 million by 2051. 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes. 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia. 70 per cent of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems. There are over 40,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK. More than 25,000 people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK are affected.

Dementia Action Week (previously Dementia Awareness Week) takes place from 21st - 27th May and the Alzheimer’s Society are calling on everyone to take action, whether it is only a small action, it can have a big impact. This is to help improve the everyday lives of people affected by dementia and create a dementia friendly UK.