Longmores’ Will-makers put their minds to helping dementia sufferers

Longmores is inviting dementia sufferers in Hertfordshire and Essex to consult its specialists for advice and guidance on making valid Wills through Alzheimer’s Society’s innovative ‘Will to Remember’ scheme.

Longmores is a member of the scheme, which enables individuals with dementia to access Willmaking services provided by its network of trusted and supportive solicitors, whose staff are trained to recognise the condition’s symptoms and to treat clients with respect and understanding.

A redeemable voucher worth £150 in legal service fees and a comprehensive Will Guide is issued on sign-up to the ‘Will to Remember’ scheme, which Longmores will process on behalf of its clients.

Solicitor Charles Fraser recently joined Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends Scheme after he attended a Dementia Awareness talk with Senior Paralegal, Nichole Giddings, at Bentley House in Hertford.

The scheme aims to turn understanding of the issues dementia sufferers experience into positive, life-changing action. Charles wears his Dementia Friends badge with pride and is already eager to employ his new-found knowledge of the condition when advising clients who require this extra dimension when accessing legal services.

Dementia affects 850,000 people in the UK – and their 700,000 informal carers. The one million Dementia Friends provide them with support and work to raise the profile of the condition and associated issues.

Nichole said: “The scheme is an invaluable source of information and assistance. I am a former chair of Age UK Hertfordshire and a longstanding Dementia Friends member and am committed to helping those who are at their most vulnerable, at work and outside the office”.

Partner and Head of the Private Client team, Richard Horwood, said: “Longmores has a keen sense of social responsibility and is honoured to work with Alzheimer’s Society on its ‘Will to Remember’ initiative.

“We want to ensure that our staff fully understand the difficulties that dementia can cause and our skilled Private Client team offers the right mix of insight, compassion and professional experience that enables sufferers to communicate their wishes to us clearly and we strongly support Charles’ Dementia Friends activities.

“We are confident that we can protect their interests, and those of their families, by producing a well-constructed, unambiguous Will following their personal instruction.”