Cripps – coping with dementia press release

Seminar takes a joined-up approach to dementia care

The cost of care, how this affects your home and powers of attorney are among the key issues worrying Tunbridge Wells residents when it comes to dementia.

These topics and more were raised at a free seminar organised by law firm Cripps in conjunction with The Good Care Group.

Planning for the future was the theme of the evening, which covered the need to act early to set up support structures that protect and assist the whole family. This could be through the implementation of a power of attorney, but also includes the importance of early discussion and understanding of care arrangements and costs.

“Many comments focused on the need for information about dementia and participants were pleased to have the chance to discuss the issues,” said Cripps’ solicitor Stephen Horscroft, who spoke at the event. “People also appreciated the joined-up nature of the evening with speakers covering both the legal/financial and practical sides to dementia care.”

Care arrangements proved to be a particular concern, with participants asking about the costs surrounding 24-hour live-in care compared to moving to a home and what happens when the money runs out. This included a discussion on the capital threshold of £23,250 and the impact on property ownership with regards spouses and dependents.

More than 30 people attended the awareness seminar at Cripps’ Tunbridge Wells office, including representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society, Carers First and Burrswood Hospital.

The event included a question and answer session with a solicitor, a dementia nurse and a care provider. It was chaired by Cripps’ partner Anne Lewis, who sits on the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners International Committee of the Special Interest Group on mental capacity.

For further information, including a detailed review of the topics covered and dates when the seminar will be repeated, contact Heather Janes at heather.janes@cripps.co.uk or call 01892 506202.

Notes to editors

Cripps is a key regional law firm serving clients nationally and internationally from offices in Kent and London. Recognised countrywide for both its commercial and private client work, the firm focuses on the real estate sector, entrepreneurial businesses and wealthier families. Cripps is a top 100 UK firm with 48 partners, an overall headcount of more than 320 and a turnover of £22.7m.

The Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners known as STEP is the worldwide professional association for practitioners dealing with family inheritance and succession planning. Members come from a range of professions working in the field including lawyers, accountants, financial planners and trust specialists. Full members of STEP are recognized by the TEP designation after their name. Cripps has ten full STEP members.

For more information please visit www.cripps.co.uk

Or contact:

Alison Hardy, Maxim on 01892 513033, alison@maxim-pr.co.uk

or Kim Milnes on 01892 506 316, kim.milnes@cripps.co.uk