From 18 -24 May 2026, many businesses and organisations across the UK will come together to support Alzheimer's Society Dementia Action Week, which has two important aims: to raise awareness of dementia and encouraging greater understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families living with the condition.
At Coles Miller we recognise that dementia affects not only the individual that has been diagnosed, but also those around them. During Dementia Action Week, we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to supporting clients with patience, clarity and compassion.
Understanding the impact of dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions that affect memory, thinking, communication and decision-making abilities. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease can gradually affect a person’s ability to manage everyday tasks and make important decisions about their finances, health and future care.
For many families, navigating these changes can feel overwhelming, particularly when legal and financial decisions need to be made at what is often an emotional and uncertain time.
Becoming a dementia-friendly organisation
At our Dorset law firm, members of our team have undertaken specialist dementia-awareness training to better understand how dementia can affect communication, understanding and decision-making.
This training helps us ensure that clients living with dementia are supported in a way that is accessible, respectful and tailored to their individual needs. We understand the importance of taking time, communicating clearly and creating an environment where clients and their families feel comfortable and supported.
Being a dementia-friendly organisation is not simply about awareness - it is about ensuring people are treated with dignity and understanding throughout what can be a very difficult period in their lives.
Supporting families with future planning
One of the most important steps that individuals can take following a dementia diagnosis is to put appropriate legal arrangements in place as early as possible.
Our specialist solicitors regularly support individuals and families with matters such as:
Putting these arrangements in place early can help provide reassurance and ensure that trusted individuals are able to make decisions if someone later loses the capacity to do so themselves.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows a person to appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf in the future.
There are two types of LPA:
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows someone you trust to help manage financial matters on your behalf. This can include tasks such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, dealing with pensions, handling investments or selling property.
This type of LPA can be used while the individual still has mental capacity, if they choose, or later if they lose the ability to manage these matters themselves. For many families, having this arrangement in place can provide reassurance that finances and practical day-to-day matters can continue to be managed smoothly if circumstances change.
2. Health and Welfare LPA
A Health and Welfare LPA relates to decisions about personal wellbeing and medical care. This can include decisions about care arrangements, medical treatment, daily routines and, in some circumstances, life-sustaining treatment.
Unlike a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, this type of LPA can only be used once the individual has lost the mental capacity to make those decisions themselves. It allows trusted family members or friends to ensure that important decisions about care and wellbeing are made in line with the person’s wishes, values and best interests.
An LPA can be invaluable if dementia progresses, and an individual is no longer able to manage their own affairs. Without one, loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection, which can be more time-consuming, costly and stressful.
Deputyships and Court of Protection applications
In situations where someone has already lost mental capacity and no LPA is in place, it may be necessary for a family member or trusted person to apply to the Court of Protection to become a deputy.
Our team can guide families through this process with sensitivity and clarity, helping them understand their responsibilities and ensuring applications are handled as smoothly as possible during what can already be a difficult time.
A patient and compassionate approach
We understand that discussing dementia-related legal matters can feel daunting. Our approach is always clear, patient and supportive, ensuring clients and families are given the time and guidance they need to make informed decisions.
At Coles Miller, we are committed to helping individuals maintain dignity, independence and peace of mind wherever possible.
Supporting Dementia Action Week
Dementia Action Week is an important opportunity to increase understanding, reduce stigma and encourage conversations around planning for the future.
By continuing to build awareness and provide compassionate legal support, we hope to help individuals and families feel more confident navigating the challenges dementia can bring.
If you or a loved one would like advice on powers of attorney, deputyships or Court of Protection matters, the experienced team at Coles Miller would be happy to help.
For expert legal advice, contact Coles Miller Partner Anthony Weber, Head of the Wills and Probate Department. He has three decades of legal experience, specialising in wills, probate, living wills, administration of estates, powers of attorney and dealing with the Court of Protection and the Office of the Public Guardian.
Tony is a member of the Law Society’s Private Client Section (formerly the Probate Section).
Tony is also on the steering group of Broadstone Stepping Stones, a Dementia Friends group and a Trustee of the Growing Compassionate Communities charity which is principally focused on supporting vulnerable adults and their carers. He is based at Coles Miller’s Fleetsbridge office.