At Cygnet Law, we believe supporting families goes far beyond legal advice. During Dementia Action Week, we want to highlight the importance of awareness, early conversations and community support for those affected by dementia.
We are proud to support and work alongside Dementia Action Teesside, an organisation carrying out invaluable work within our local community to support individuals and families living with dementia.
Dementia affects thousands of families across the UK and, alongside the emotional impact of a diagnosis, many people are faced with uncertainty around future care, finances and legal planning.
Supporting Families Through Awareness & Education
One of the biggest challenges families often face is simply knowing where to start. Conversations surrounding future wishes, healthcare decisions and financial planning can understandably feel overwhelming.
By supporting organisations such as Dementia Action Teesside, we hope to encourage more open conversations around dementia and ensure families know where they can turn for support, guidance and reassurance.
As a firm, we are committed not only to supporting clients through legal matters, but also to supporting the wider community through awareness initiatives, partnerships and local engagement.
We’re a Dementia-Friendly Firm
At Cygnet Law, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment for people living with dementia.
We understand that a dementia diagnosis can raise urgent questions about:
- Wills
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
- Deputyship
- Future care planning
Seeking legal advice during this time can feel daunting, which is why we have taken active steps to ensure our services are accessible, supportive and reassuring for those who need them most.
We are proud to be part of the Dementia Friends initiative, a programme designed to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and help create a more inclusive society for people affected by dementia.
We are also proud to work alongside Alzheimer’s Society through the “Will to Remember” campaign, helping individuals and families access free simple Will-writing services while encouraging important conversations around future planning.
How We Support Clients Living with Dementia
Our team has completed dementia-awareness training, and we continually adapt the way we work to better support our clients and their families.
This includes:
- Ensuring our solicitors are dementia-aware and provide clear, compassionate communication
- Introducing clearer signage in our offices to reduce confusion
- Producing dementia-friendly literature that’s easy to understand and accessible
Why Early Planning Matters
While no family wants to think about losing mental capacity or future care needs, planning ahead early can make a significant difference.
Many people are surprised to learn that family members / next of kin do not automatically have legal authority to make financial or healthcare decisions on someone’s behalf.
This is why legal documents such as:
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
- Wills
- Estate planning arrangements
These are so important to have in place for individuals and families affected by dementia.
Putting these protections in place early allows individuals to make their own choices, appoint trusted people and reduce stress and uncertainty later on.
Working Together to Support Our Community
Dementia Action Week is an important reminder that no family should feel they are facing dementia alone.
Through community partnerships, awareness campaigns and accessible legal support, we are proud to play our part in supporting individuals and families.
We than organisations such as Dementia Action Teesside for the incredible work they continue to do every day for people living with dementia, carers and families throughout our community.
If you would like advice about LPAs, Wills or future planning, our team is here to answer any questions you may have.
