Receiving a dementia diagnosis can feel frightening and uncertain. We know that facing hard choices is stressful, so we aim to make next steps clear and manageable.
We will explain what practical action looks like and why acting soon can protect your choices rather than take them away. Timing matters, because the condition progresses differently for everyone and the best time to start is usually while conversations are still straightforward.
Our focus is simple. We outline the main areas UK homeowners should consider: your home, savings, pensions, regular bills and who you trust to act for you. We also signpost reliable support, such as the NHS guidance and charities, so you are not left guessing.
We balance clear, practical steps with emotional care. With the right advice and support, you and your family can build a plan that lowers stress and respects your wishes. For help with secure documents and guided templates, see our online service at secure your family’s future.
Key Takeaways
- Acting while conversations are manageable helps protect your choices.
- Focus on practical areas: home, savings, pensions and regular outgoings.
- Good advice and clear documents reduce stress for you and your family.
- Use trusted NHS and charity routes for extra support and information.
- We offer online tools to help you secure your family’s future with clarity.
First steps after a dementia diagnosis in the UK: support, information and timing
Begin with reliable medical guidance so you and your family can plan calmly and keep control while you can.
Book a clear review with your doctor or specialist. Ask what type of dementia is suspected, what changes to expect and which treatments or memory services they recommend.
Take a short list of questions to the appointment. Good examples are:
- What does this mean for my daily life?
- Which medicines might help and what are the side effects?
- When should we return for follow-up and who do we contact if symptoms change?
Use the NHS dementia guide as a practical checklist. It breaks down steps into manageable tasks and points to local services.
Find charity and community help through Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK. Local groups, like Dementia Friendly centres, offer social support and practical advice for families.
Acting as soon possible matters because it keeps choices open. Getting professionals involved early can reduce family tension and make future decisions fairer and clearer.
For a helpful checklist from health services, see our guide on what to expect after a dementia.
Mental capacity, consent and protecting the person’s wishes
Knowing how capacity is judged helps families keep control and respect someone’s wishes.
What mental capacity means
Mental capacity is about whether a person can understand, weigh up and remember enough information to make a particular decision. This covers money and property, agreeing to care and choices about treatment.
How professionals assess capacity
Professionals look at one decision at a time. They check if the person can understand information, retain it briefly, use it to make a choice and communicate that choice.
Clear notes matter. Records from medical or legal appointments help if decisions are later challenged.
Reducing coercion and undue influence
Pressure can be subtle. We recommend simple safeguards:
- Hold meetings with a neutral professional present.
- Keep written records of what was explained and chosen.
- Ask for a second opinion if anything feels rushed.
| Risk | Sign | Practical step |
|---|---|---|
| Rushed decisions | Short meetings, no papers | Pause and request time to think |
| Conflicting family views | One person dominating talks | Bring a solicitor or advocate |
| Unclear understanding | Responses seem confused | Ask for a professional capacity assessment |
If capacity is uncertain, pause before signing. Seek professional advice and consider a legal assessment. For clear guidance on making decisions with reduced capacity see making decisions and mental capacity. For local help with organising documents, view our Locking area guide at estate planning in Locking.
early estate planning after an alzheimers diagnosis uk: organising affairs before capacity changes
A clear financial snapshot gives families confidence when choices become harder to make.
We recommend building a simple list of your bank accounts, ISAs, pensions, mortgage details, insurance policies and regular direct debits.
Creating a clear snapshot of assets and commitments
Start with short notes for each account and who to call. A financial planner can help consolidate accounts, automate payments and review outgoings.
Choosing trusted people to support you
Pick one or two trusted people to act on your behalf. Agree who can speak to companies, arrange appointments and communicate decisions behalf of the person.
Putting important information in one place
Keep a paper folder or secure digital file with passwords, policy numbers and a letter of wishes. This place should be easy to find but protected.
- Make a list of contacts and account numbers.
- Automate bills where possible to avoid missed payments.
- Agree who holds copies and when they may be used.
Planning now reduces mistakes as dementia changes matters in the future. For complex situations, seek professional advice so your affairs remain practical and clear.
Reviewing or making a Will after being diagnosed with dementia
When someone is diagnosed dementia, we advise checking or making a Will while they can understand the choices. This protects your wishes and reduces later disputes.
Can you still make changes? The capacity test
Capacity is decision-specific. A person must understand what they own, who they wish to benefit and the effect of signing a Will.
If capacity is clear, a Will signed now is valid. If it is uncertain, get a formal assessment before any changes.
Executors and beneficiaries
Pick one or two trusted executors to manage probate. Name beneficiaries clearly so your property and money go where you want.
Trusts and protective wording
Trusts can shield gifts for vulnerable relatives or where family situations are complex. Protective wording reduces the risk of funds being misused.
Working with a solicitor
A solicitor gives practical advice and records capacity steps. Legal support makes the process robust and harder to challenge.
| Issue | Why it matters | What we suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Outdated Will | May not reflect current wishes | Review promptly with a solicitor |
| No Will (intestacy) | Law decides who inherits | Make a clear Will to avoid unintended outcomes |
| Vulnerable beneficiaries | At risk of losing entitlement | Use trusts or protective clauses |
Lasting Power of Attorney: setting up lasting powers of attorney for health, welfare and finances
Setting clear rules now helps the people you trust make the right choices later. An LPA lets named people manage either money or health matters if you cannot. Make lasting powers while capacity is clear to avoid disputes.
Types you need to know
The UK has two main types. Property and Financial Affairs covers bank accounts, bills and property.
Health and Welfare covers care, where you live and medical choices.
Choosing the right attorney
Pick someone reliable, calm and good with paperwork. Think about their ability to handle family tension.
Decide whether attorneys act jointly or separately and write this down. This reduces later disagreements.
Instructions, preferences and sensitive choices
You can add instructions on care, preferred living arrangements and whether an attorney may be paid.
You may also state views on life‑sustaining treatment. Clear wording matters and avoids delays.
Certificate provider and capacity at signing
A certificate provider must confirm capacity when you sign. This step protects the lasting power and makes challenges less likely.
What if no LPA is in place
Without an LPA families may need Court of Protection and a deputy. That process can be slow and costly.
We recommend seeking professional advice to draft bespoke wording and to make lasting powers that work in practice.
Conclusion
A short checklist this week can turn worry into clear action for you and those who support you.
Practical first moves: contact NHS or charity support, list key accounts, and speak to a solicitor about a Will and lasting powers of attorney while capacity is clear.
If no LPA exists, families may need the Court of Protection later. That route is slow and costly, so taking steps now reduces risk.
We offer calm, practical advice and signposts to trusted services. Small, sensible tasks today protect wishes and ease pressure on everyone involved.