Dementia

Since the Prime Minister’s Challenge which aims to raise awareness of Dementia, and have 15 Dementia Friendly Communities in place by 2015, Plymouth has been a hive of activity, becoming one of the first officially recognised Dementia Friendly cities in England.

A Dementia diagnosis can be isolating, bewildering and confusing, with many of those living with Dementia often feeling vulnerable and alone. However, Dementia, as an illness, is often poorly misunderstood. Simple, practical and inexpensive steps can be taken by individuals which can help transform the lives of those living with the illness to continue to live fulfilling and independent lives.

Wolferstans were one of the first affiliated firms in Plymouth to be officially recognised as ‘Dementia Friendly’ and five members of Wolferstans Wills and Trust team have gone one step further  to become ‘Dementia Champions’. In November they took part in a training course to become ‘Dementia Champions’ enabling them to deliver information sessions to members of the community to help reach the national target of one million dementia friends by March 2015. The role of Dementia Champions and Friends is to promote and increase awareness of Dementia and to help those with Dementia by ensuring that they are aware of the services and support available to them.

Nicola Mitchell-Rodd, a private client paralegal at Wolferstans, says “As part of our work we see clients suffering with Dementia, their carers and families on a day-to-day basis. We see the difficulties people face and want to ensure that people are aware that a diagnosis of Dementia does not automatically mean that you are incapable of managing your affairs or making arrangements for your future’.

Wolferstans has a dedicated private client team who are all skilled and experienced in working with elderly clients, those with head and brain injuries, and those with Dementia. The team is headed up by Samantha Buckthought, who is leading the way, as one of only 65 national Panel Deputies for the Court of Protection in the Country.

We at Wolferstans work hard to ensure that a full suite of legal services are always available to those with Dementia, their families, and loved ones. We strive to ensure that access to, not only legal advisers, becomes easier, but that as a City we pay an integral part in helping the South West lead the way as a Dementia Friendly community.