Hollyoaks Shines a Light on Dementia

Heartbreaking Hollyoaks' Scenes Bring Dementia to Viewers' Attention

TV soap opera Hollyoaks has brought Dementia to the attention of its viewers. One of its characters, Luke Morgan (played by actor Gary Lucy), has been diagnosed with Pick's Disease (AKA Frontotemporal Dementia). The show has given viewers an insight into the condition, with Luke being informed of its causes and manifestations.

The programme's storylines have followed the progression of Luke's condition and aired scenes showing its effects, on both Luke and his family and friends.

According to Alzheimer's Research UK, there are 850,000 people with Dementia in the UK and this figure will increase to over one million by 2025 and two million by 2050.

It is then essential to prepare for the future, and one way to do this is to draw up Lasting Powers of Attorney and name someone to manage your affairs in the event that you are not able to do so yourself.

There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney: one for Property and Financial Affairs and one for Health and Welfare. More information on the different documents can be found in our Guide to Lasting Powers of Attorney.

If you lose the capacity to manage your affairs and do not have any Lasting Powers of Attorney in place then a Deputyship Order would be required. This not only removes the element of choice from who handles your affairs on your behalf but is also a more costly and time-consuming process than the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney at an already distressing time for your nearest and dearest.

At Band Hatton Button, we have a wealth of experience and include members of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE). This means you can have peace of mind that you are dealing with a highly experienced and qualified team who specialise in helping with making Wills, Power of Attorneys, Attorney Support Services, Tax Planning, Administration of Estates, Trusts, Deputyship and Court of Protection related matters.

For individual advice and assistance contact our Wills, Probate and Trusts Team to find out how we can help.

Helen Stott - Solicitor - Wills Trusts & Probate Team