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.

We appreciate it is not easy to think and plan for a time when you will not be able to make your own decisions but it can help to be prepared. A Lasting Power of Attorney can be a great tool to allow for someone you trust to carry out the necessary decision making and execution of documents on your behalf, whilst acting in your best interest at all times.

When someone passes away, financial institutions are unlikely to release any assets in the Estate belonging to the Deceased (money, property and possessions) without a “Grant of Probate” (if they left a Will) or “Grant of Letters of Administration” (if they died Intestate, meaning without a Will). A Grant may not be required by financial institutions if the value of the Deceased’s Estate is fairly modest, however will always be required where there is a property.

Recent government proposals suggest that the ‘blue badge scheme’, which allows people to park closer to their destination free of charge, may be extended to those living with disabilities that are not always visible, such as autism and dementia. The proposals have received a welcome response in light of a recent report showing that 75% of blue badge holders admitted that they would go out less frequently if they were not part of the scheme. Supporters of the proposal feel that it will enable and encourage many more people to lead and to benefit from a more independent lifestyle.

​We recently attended the North of England Deputyship Development Day at the Hilton Hotel in York, which was organised by Finders International Probate Genealogists (“Finders”) and this was their third development, which was a free event for the Public Sector and Solicitors.

Michael Robinson, a Solicitor from Ramsdens Solicitors LLP Private Client Team has been appointed as a Trustee for Community Transport Calderdale in Halifax. Michael Robinson was eager to support and join the current Board of Trustees to help move the charity forward to assist more residents in Calderdale and Kirklees with transport needs.

In January 2018, The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) updated its legal guidance for professional deputies (appointed by the Court of Protection) and attorneys (appointed under an Enduring Power of Attorney or property and affairs Lasting Power of Attorney) in regard to giving gifts on behalf of the person they act for. The update reflects recent judgments by the Court of Protection (COP).

The Philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft has stated that he is to invest $100 million (in the region of £76 million) of his own money into research towards a cure for Alzheimer’s.