Ison Harrison Solicitors can safeguard your future with a Lasting Power of Attorney

This article is sponsored by Ison Harrison Solicitors.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can help give you and your family peace of mind should anything happen to your health later in life.

Ison Harrison Solicitors in Harrogate provides expert advice on how to set one up and is offering 20% on all LPAs for a limited time.

What Is A Lasting Power of Attorney & Why Do You Need One?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint one or more people whom you trust, together or separately, to act on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so yourself.

One of the biggest motivators for organising an LPA is the possibility of losing mental and physical capacity later in life. With around 900,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK – and an expected increase to 1.6 million by 2040 – it’s important to put plans in place early on so your best interests are looked after by someone you trust.

If you do not have an LPA, it may be that an application has to be made to the courts for a deputy to be appointed and this is a complex, costly and time-consuming process.

What types of LPA are there?

There are 2 types of LPA:

It is often advisable to set up a health and welfare LPA and a property and financial affairs LPA at the same time, as this ensures both elements are taken care of and gives you peace of mind for the future.

Once an LPA has been executed, it will last indefinitely.

What are the benefits of making an LPA?

Most importantly, you will be taking a prudent step towards safeguarding against future problems for your loved ones whilst also ensuring you have put plans in place for your future whilst you are of sound mind and health. None of us know what the future holds, and just like making a will is important, so too is making a Lasting Power of Attorney, yet the latter is often overlooked.

How long does the process take?

Typically, it can take up to 12 weeks to register an LPA. It is always advisable to get legal advice before proceeding with the process.

Ison Harrison Solicitors specialise in wills, probate and lasting power of attorneys.

Wills & Probate expert at Ison Harrison, Rebecca Austin, said:

“Few people realise that due to increasingly complex data protection legislation, no one else is usually allowed to deal with your assets and other matters, so making a Lasting Power of Attorney helps to protect you for the future.”

Save 20% on Lasting Powers of Attorney

During the month of May, Ison Harrison Solicitors is running a limited-time offer of 20% off all LPAs.

The firm has a branch at 6A Albert Street, Harrogate, HG1 1JG.

To take advantage of this offer, please email Rebecca.austin@isonharrison.co.uk or call 01943 889 084.

Robotic cats to provide comfort for North Yorkshire dementia patients

Knaresborough Rotary Club has delivered a ‘litter’ of 27 robotic cats to the charity Dementia Forward.

The charity, which is funded by North Yorkshire County Council, provides dementia support across the county.

During lockdown, it launched a ‘cafe in a box’ scheme in which dementia patients receive special boxes tailored to their individual interests.

Robotic cats have been included in the boxes to patients who have been clinically assessed to obtain maximum benefit from robot cat therapy.

Research has found the therapeutic value of robotic cats can be more beneficial than drugs for certain conditions.

The latest delivery takes the number of robotic cats donated by Knaresborough Rotary Club to 50.

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Each robot weighs about the same as a cat and interacts in a lifelike way, creating a calming effect.

They miaow, purr, lick their paws and can become long-term companions to dementia patients.

Jill Quinn, chief executive of Dementia Forward, said people became attached to the cats after the charity trialled them.

Jill Quinn, chief executive of Dementia Forward.

Ms Quinn said:

“They are very lifelike and purr and react when they are stroked.

“They can provide comfort for a person with dementia who is anxious or unable to settle by providing a calming effect.

“One example we witnessed was a woman who was very into arts and crafts, but her dementia meant that she would get anxious and wasn’t able to stay involved in any activity.

“But once we placed the cat on her knee she sat and stroked it – it created a calming distraction which enabled her to stay focussed and enjoy the activity.”

Harrogate hospital invests £110,000 in staff and dementia care

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded £110,000 to fund better dementia care support, improved outdoor spaces and wellbeing projects.

NHS Charities Together, the national charity raising funds for hospitals, awarded the sum to the trust.

The trust used some of the money to buy new DVD players and tables for dementia patients at Harrogate District Hospital for entertainment and to help them stay in touch with family, especially when the hospital has to limit visits.

Hospital patients and visitors will also notice that some outdoor spaces have been transformed with physical and mental wellbeing in mind.

The new look includes fresh seating, garden pods, planting, wind chimes and even an outdoor barista. The spaces can be used as an escape for both staff and patients.

Funds have also been used by the hospital on microwaves, coffee and tea making facilities for staff.

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Matron Tammy Gotts said:

“It is important our patients never feel lonely and the tablets will help improve how they can communication with their friends and family.

“It also means that our patients would still be able to communicate with their loved ones should we ever face another lockdown.

“Having access to more entertainment options will also improve the hospital experience for patients. The outdoor spaces also provide the opportunity for patients to spend more time outside the wards in a pleasant environment.”

Sammy Lambert, business development, charity and volunteer manager, said:

“The funding we have been awarded is helping us to further improve the high level of care we are able to provide.

“Whilst it is wonderful that the funding will be of benefit for patients suffering from dementia, we are also pleased that it will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our NHS colleagues who have worked tirelessly over the pandemic.

“Their wellbeing is vitally important and simple changes, such as developing outside spaces where they can relax for a moment, will ensure they feel well, healthy and happy at work.”

Harrogate dementia group reopens doors to new members

A wellbeing group offering support for people with dementia and their families is looking for new members as it reopens post-covid.

The group, based at St Luke’s Church in Harrogate, has been open for nearly five years and offers a space for anyone in the local community to come and meet friends and take part in activities.

Initially set up for families affected by dementia, the weekly group now hosts sessions for anyone wanting to make new friends.

The group had to stop during the pandemic for 17 months but reopened three weeks ago.

Before the pandemic around 35 people came each Thursday between 1-3pm but now it is only 15.

Group leaders Lizzy Turner and Victoria Amella are determined to get more people involved. They say the benefits to someone who may feel isolated can be huge.

Ms Turner said:

“The group look forward to coming each week, especially after the pandemic. A lot of our members are older so had to isolate so the group has been great to come back to.

“We want to grow it so more people can benefit from what we offer. We’re a great little group and have built some great friendships over the years.”

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The sessions are £2 and visitors will get soup and a cup of tea as well as the chance to take part in different activities.

As well as the usual domino games and arts and crafts, Ms Turner said visiting teachers also come to teach members music and chair yoga.

Art becomes therapy for Pateley Bridge grandma with dementia

Joan Thomas says her grandson James’s art has helped with her dementia.

Mrs Thomas moved to Pateley Bridge to be with family during the first lockdown after struggling to live alone. Since then she has been working with her grandson on a number of pieces.

During lockdown, James Thomas created a piece of art inspired by his grandma called ‘Isolation’. The piece is made out of discarded scratch cards.

The pair have always shared a love for art and Mr Thomas said his grandma often recalls memories from years ago when she helped him with his art.

Mrs Thomas, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2017,  said art helps her feel calm and focused. She also enjoys colouring herself:

“I like going to James’s exhibitions and seeing the art he’s done at home on display. I really enjoy doing art and spending time with him. There’s just a lot of things I can’t remember but art keeps me calm.”

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Mr Thomas said he was pleased with the effect his art had on his grandma’s health:

“It’s a form of therapy for her and it helps her. Now she can be a part of the pieces I create from start to finish.

“She does her colouring completely alone, even though she can’t do anything else she can do that which is pretty marvellous.”

Mr Thomas added his grandma’s choice of colours and style is “perfect”.

Mr Thomas is currently putting pieces together to take part in some local exhibitions including the Nidd Art Trail and the Mercer Gallery REACT exhibition.

Ripon dementia charity wins royal award

Ripon based charity Dementia Forward has won The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The charity has won the accolade, which is given for outstanding work towards the local community, along with 241 others across the UK.

More than 200 people volunteer with Dementia Forward, including minibus drivers, public speakers and coordinators who run activities for people struggling with the illness, such as gardening and baking sessions.

During the pandemic the charity adapted to offer virtual support including a ‘café in a box’ service delivering activities to people’s doorsteps.

It reported more than 1,000 calls to its dementia helpline every month over lockdown. The helpline covers a range of services including advice for early dementia and deploying specialist support workers.

Jill Quinn, CEO of the charity since it was founded nine years ago, said;

“We have never looked back from that first step in 2012 and have grown the charity from supporting just 200 families in the first year to now supporting over 4,000 families and this award is certainly a red letter day for everyone involved.

“We are blessed to have a team of over 200 volunteers and so many supporters across the county.”

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The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was set up in 2002 as a celebration for the golden jubilee and has given awards to thousands of charities each year.

Representatives from Dementia Forward will go to a ceremony to receive the award crystal and certificate later this year. Next summer they will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace gardens along with the other winners.

The awards ceremony for last year’s winners took place this week and saw Harrogate and Ripon Food Angels receive its service award. It provides a ‘meals on wheels’ service around the area, delivering to those who are unable to cook and checking on their wellbeing.

If you or a loved one has been affected by dementia, you can call the Dementia Forward helpline on 03300 578592.

Care home residents see health benefits of stretching classes

Residents in two specialist dementia care homes in Harrogate have seen improvements in their health and wellbeing thanks to a new programme of stretching classes.

The initiative was launched by Vida Healthcare in its two Harrogate homes, Vida Hall and Vida Grange, and has proven successful since it began in June.

Research shows that staying active and incorporating movement into daily routines can significantly improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia. Charlotte Gibbs, wellbeing lead at Vida Hall, has seen the positive impact the classes have had on those involved. She said:

“Residents are keen to take part and they remember the time of the stretching classes and are able to memorise and maintain basic stretching routines. This is a significant milestone for many of our residents, especially those living in the later stages of dementia.”

headshot of Emma

Emma is currently a tutor in acting and movement at the Drama Studio London.

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One resident who broke their shoulder three years ago has also increased their range of movement since taking part in the classes.

The classes are taught virtually by ex-West End star Emma Flett, who has appeared in shows including West Side Story and Goodnight Mr Tom. She said:

“Residents really enjoy the sessions and I can see improvements each week. This time gives both staff and residents the opportunity to do something different and strengthen their bond, which has been especially important during lockdown when loved ones haven’t been able to visit.”

Harrogate care home confirms a number of suspected coronavirus deaths

The national charity which operates Berwick Grange in Harrogate has confirmed that a number of its residents  have died of suspected coronavirus at the home but said without testing it cannot be certain.

MHA which was founded by the Methodist Church, operates Berwick Grange and is the largest UK provider of care with 133 homes. Berwick Grange has 52 residents and is a specialist dementia care unit.

The company said residents have died of suspected coronavirus at a number of its homes- Berwick Grange had seen cases but was not one of the worst affected. It said it could not confirm specific numbers at individual homes as residents aren’t being tested. Some had existing illnesses or had been on end of life care.

In a statement MHA said

A small number of our homes have already been badly affected, although the extent to which these losses can be attributed to Covid-19 is debatable as our residents are not being tested. Without that testing, we may never know the true extent of outbreaks in our homes.

Our residents are a second family and this will take its toll on our teams as they sadly lose people they have cared for, in some cases for a number of years. We will make sure we care for our colleagues as well as our residents throughout all of this and would urge you to support us and our colleagues at this difficult time

MHA said it has set up a Critical Incident Management system – convening daily bronze, silver and gold command meetings that are modelled on emergency service disaster responses to manage the rapidly changing nature of the emergency. It has highlighted a serious shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) to protect its residents and staff- saying its weekly allocation of 300 face masks for a home of 70 residents can be used in a single day.

We convene three daily meetings taking rapid decisions to re-allocate PPE stock across regions, staff cover and analyse the spread of the virus across our services taking immediate appropriate action; this includes suspected, confirmed and recovered cases.

The company has put out a plea to schools, colleges and factories to consider donating any supplies that are not currently needed.