1. Charlie is diagnosed with Dementia from their GP
Charlie and Sam are in their 70’s, and Charlie was recently diagnosed with Dementia.
Sam realised that Charlie may not be able to make their own decisions at some point, and was keen to prepare for this, so decided to see a member of the ‘Solicitors for the Elderly’.
2.They visit a ‘Solicitor for the Elderly’ to arrange Wills and a Power of Attorney
They were naturally keen to avoid the expensive and arduous task of a Court of Protection application, and wanted to check their Wills were accurate and relevant.
3. They get referred for a Mental Capacity Assessment
Charlie’s dementia was more progressed than Sam had realised, meaning it was necessary to obtain a mental capacity assessment to ensure that Charlie still had capacity to make such arrangements.
Most GPs won’t do this anymore, however fortunately their solicitor was able to refer them to another of the Connected in Care members, who specialise in independent Mental Capacity assessments.
4. They request help from a specialist to help choose suitable care
With that all in place, Sam starts looking into their care options. With so many options now available, from Domiciliary care at home, to residential homes with nursing facilities, there is a lot to consider.
Sam mentions this to the capacity assessor, who luckily is able to put them in touch with a personalised care home finding service, who can give an overview of all the local options, costs and future provision should Charlie’s Dementia progress.
5. They visit a ‘SOLLA’ qualified Financial Adviser to discuss how best to fund the care
Sam asks the team abut funding methods, as they are concerned about having to sell and leave their home and has heard lots of conflicting information.
What is needed is professional financial advice to help him plan the best method of funding, and fortunately they are referred to the ‘Society of Later Life Advisers’, an organisation that sets the standard for later life financial advice.
They find a local, qualified adviser who talks through all the options and puts their mind at ease.
6. They are recommend to a wonderful Memory group who go on walks and to events together...
With their minds at ease, they became keen to see what was in store for them, and meet people in similar situations who are successfully living well with Dementia.
Their financial adviser was able to refer them to the Older Peoples Partnership Group - the ‘go-to’ organisation in the area, with over 40 groups, organisations and charities that host a wide range of support, events, activities and clinics to enhance later life.
7. ...and are supported to live well at home with the help of technological advances
They decide to stay at home with some additional help and support, and after their family expressed some concerns about staying in touch, they wished to embrace some technological advances.
After speaking to their local Memory loss team, with whom they enjoy monthly social gatherings such as singing, walking, events and day trips, they were connected with another local member that specialises in technology and innovation.
8. Always somewhere to turn and someone to ask
Charlie and Sam were able navigate their Journey, through the recommendation of specialists and local people.
Connected in Care are working together for a better experience and access to the right support at the right time.