What should you do if you suspect someone has dementia?

If you're worried someone close to you has dementia, it's so important to encourage them to book an appointment with their doctor. They might be reluctant, but you could offer to go with them for support.

Their doctor should discuss their symptoms and ask questions to test their thinking and memory. They may also conduct health checks to explore potential conditions causing the symptoms. Based on this, the doctor may refer your loved one to a memory clinic or a specialist consultant for a thorough assessment.

Helping your loved one plan their legal affairs with suspected dementia

You can help your loved one with specific things to support their legal affairs, which may seem a little excessive now but will make a huge difference further down the line. For example:

‍Arrange for someone to act on their behalf

Your loved one may want to set up a lasting power of attorney (LPA) in case they lose their mental capacity. By 'mental capacity', we mean someone's ability to make decisions and understand their consequences. 

An LPA would let them appoint someone, such as a partner or close relative, to make decisions on their behalf when they can’t do so. There are two types of LPA - one for financial decisions and one for health care decisions. They may decide to have the same person for both or have more than one LPA; the choice is theirs. However, an LPA can’t be used until registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). 

It’s wise to register their LPA as soon as it’s made to be ready for when needed. ‍Suppose your loved one loses mental capacity before an LPA for financial decisions has been made or registered. In that case, a friend, relative, or other representative can apply to become their ‘appointee’ and deal with their State Pension and benefits on their behalf. 

For other financial decisions, such as savings or property, someone willing to act on their behalf can apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as their ‘deputy’. Although there are these options, it is advisable to plan ahead, as this gives your loved one the choice of who acts on their behalf and also helps to avoid a delay in others being able to act on their behalf. 

You should advise them to write a Will if they don’t already have one

Having a Will is essential, as it lets your loved one choose how they’d like their estate (property, savings, and possessions) to be distributed after they die. If your loved one doesn’t have a Will, advise them to make one as soon as possible. Having one can give your loved one and their loved ones around them peace of mind. If they already have a Will, advise them to check it and ensure it reflects their wishes. 

You can help them make an advance statement to outline their care preferences

Making an advance statement explaining how they would like to be cared for in the future can be reassuring, not just for them but for their loved ones around them. They can specify their religious beliefs, what they like to eat, the music they listen to, and anything else that’s important for people to know about how they would like to be supported. However, advance statements aren't legally binding but can help people involved in your loved one’s care. 

Your loved one can make an advanced decision to refuse medical treatment

An advanced decision will only be used if your loved one loses mental capacity and is unable to communicate their choices at the time. It allows your loved one to decide which types of medical treatment they don’t want in the future. As it’s used only after losing mental capacity, your loved one must state the exact treatments and circumstances they do not want. 

If they intend to refuse life-sustaining treatment, their advance decision must be in writing, signed and dated in the presence of a witness who must also sign it. The advance decision is legally binding, so health professionals must follow it. 

Helping your loved one plan their financial affairs

Making sure finances are in order with suspected dementia can help your loved one stay on top of things as well as give them peace of mind if there comes a time when they can’t manage money themselves. 

When dealing with finances, they should start by making sure they or someone close to them knows where all necessary documents are, such as their mortgage or tenancy agreement, insurance policies, and bank statements. 

‍Think about how they pay their bills

If they don’t already, suggest they pay their bills by direct debit or standing order as this is automatic, and they wouldn’t need to remember to pay. If they don’t use online banking, check their paper bills for details on how to do this. 

While paper bills allow you to make sure you’re paying what you should, some people find online banking easier - it saves trips to the bank and will enable you to manage your money from anywhere. 

Help them set up their bank account differently

A joint account held by more than one person can be a useful way to manage finances. Your loved one can add the name of anyone close to them so that they can access your loved one’s money if necessary. 

Another option is a third-party mandate, which permits someone to manage their bank account. 

With both joint accounts and third-party mandates, your loved one should think carefully about who they choose and make sure it’s someone they trust - there is no restriction on their access to the account’s funds and, in the case of joint accounts, your loved one could be liable for their debts.

‍