Dementia Action Week: Protect Your Future with a Lasting Power of Attorney

We were truly proud to take part in this year’s Dementia Action Week – a national campaign led by Alzheimer’s Society that encourages people to learn more, start conversations, and take meaningful action. You can read more about the initiative here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week

This year’s event, hosted by Dementia Friendly Hounslow, brought together local organisations, charities, and support services with one shared purpose: to help make our community more dementia aware and more supportive. Garner & Hancock has been part of this group for several years, and it was wonderful to see such a vibrant turnout, with hundreds of visitors stopping by to chat, ask questions, and explore the help available.

Syon House provided a stunning backdrop for the day, especially the glasshouse, which created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Alongside the important conversations and information sharing, there were also moments of real joy, including a brilliant chair‑dancing session (set to Staying Alive!) that had everyone smiling.

Why Lasting Powers of Attorney Matter

During the event, Nigel George gave a short but powerful talk on why putting a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place is so important.

An LPA lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you ever become unable to do so yourself,  whether due to illness, an accident, or conditions such as dementia. These decisions can relate to your finances, property, health, or day‑to‑day welfare.

Many people are surprised to learn that being a spouse or next of kin does not automatically give you the legal authority to make these decisions. Without an LPA, families can face delays, uncertainty, and added stress at an already difficult time.

What If You Don’t Have Anyone to Appoint?

For some people, choosing a trusted friend or family member isn’t possible and that’s completely understandable.

In these situations, we can help.

At Garner & Hancock, we can act as your Attorney when needed, offering professional, compassionate support and ensuring your affairs are managed exactly as you would wish. Our team, including our Managing Director, Jakub Kotan, already supports many clients in this way.

We also offer a unique in‑house document. This allows you to clearly set out your values, preferences, and wishes, giving future decision‑makers invaluable guidance and helping ensure your voice is heard.

Working Together to Raise Awareness

Events like Dementia Action Week remind us how important it is to start these conversations early. Planning ahead isn’t always easy, but it can make a world of difference, giving you peace of mind and helping your loved ones avoid uncertainty later on.

If you’d like to learn more about Lasting Powers of Attorney or talk through your options, our team is always here to help.