Why timing is everything

May 18, 2026•6 min read

Why Timing is Everything: Dementia & LPAs

A Note from Secure Wills for National Dementia Action Week

Next week, from May 18th to the 24th, 2026, the UK observes National Dementia Action Week. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness, offering support, and, most importantly, taking action.

At Secure Wills, we see firsthand how dementia impacts families. It’s a journey that no one wants to take, but it’s one that millions of us will face. While we can’t always control our health, we can absolutely control who looks after us if things get difficult. That’s why we’re talking about the "L" word: LPAs.

Why "Wait and See" is a Dangerous Strategy

When it comes to legal documents, many of us have a "I’ll get to it eventually" mindset. We think, "I’m healthy now, why rush?"

But here’s the thing about dementia: it’s progressive. It doesn’t usually happen overnight, but it does happen. And in the world of law, there is a very sharp line in the sand called Mental Capacity.

If you wait until you are "unwell enough" to need help, you might have already crossed that line. Once you lose the legal capacity to understand and sign a legal document, the door to making an LPA slams shut.

In this blog, we’re going to break down why timing is everything, why an LPA is your biggest superpower, and why acting now is the kindest thing you can do for the people you love.

The Progressive Nature of Dementia: A Window of Opportunity

Dementia isn't just about forgetting where you put your keys. As the search research shows, it’s a condition that affects how people perceive time, make decisions, and process information (often called dyschronometria).

Early on, a person might be perfectly capable of making complex decisions. They know what they want, who they trust, and how they want their money spent. This is the Window of Opportunity.

As the condition progresses, that window begins to close. To create a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), you must have the "mental capacity" to do so. This means you must understand:

What an LPA is.
Why you are making one.
Who you are appointing.
The powers you are giving them.

If a doctor or a legal professional decides you no longer understand these points, you cannot sign the forms. At that point, your family's hands are tied.

Elderly couple holding hands in a sunlit garden, symbolizing the peace of mind of early LPA planning for dementia.

What Exactly is an LPA? (The Plain English Version)

Forget the jargon. Think of a Lasting Power of Attorney as a "Legal Insurance Policy." You hope you never have to use it, but you’ll be incredibly glad it’s there if you do.

There are two types you need to know about:

1. Property and Financial Affairs LPA

This gives your chosen people (your Attorneys) the power to manage your money. This includes:

Paying your bills and mortgage.
Managing your bank accounts.
Selling your home if you need to move into care.
Collecting your pension.

2. Health and Welfare LPA

This allows your Attorneys to make decisions about your daily life and medical care, such as:

What you eat and what you wear.
Where you live (e.g., staying at home vs. a care home).
Consenting to or refusing life-sustaining treatment.

Crucial Point: You can only use the Health and Welfare LPA after you have lost capacity. The Financial one can be used as soon as it’s registered if you give permission, which is handy if you’re physically frail but mentally sharp.

The Capacity Trap: LPA vs. Deputyship

This is the part where we get a bit serious, because the alternative to an LPA is, frankly, a bit of a nightmare.

If you lose capacity and don’t have an LPA in place, your family does not automatically get the right to manage your affairs. Not your spouse, not your children. No one.

To get control, your family has to apply to the Court of Protection for a "Deputyship Order."

Why Deputyship is a Headache:

It’s Expensive: Where an LPA costs a fixed fee to set up, a Deputyship can cost thousands in legal fees and ongoing annual costs.
It’s Slow: It can take 6 to 12 months (or more!) to get a Deputyship order. In the meantime, bank accounts can be frozen, and bills might go unpaid.
It’s Stressful: Your family is already grieving the "loss" of your personality due to dementia. Do they really need a mountain of court paperwork on top of that?
It’s Restrictive: The Court, not you, decides who is appointed. It might not be the person you would have chosen.

By setting up an LPA now, you are bypassing the Court of Protection entirely. You are giving your family a "fast pass" to help you when you need it most.

National Dementia Action Week: A Call to Action

This week (May 18-24, 2026) is the perfect excuse to have "The Chat." We know it’s not the most fun Sunday lunch conversation, but it is one of the most important ones.

At Secure Wills, we make the process as smooth as possible. We don't use confusing legalese, and we don't have hidden fees. We provide:

Expert Advice: We ensure your LPA is drafted correctly so it isn't rejected by the Office of the Public Guardian.
Fixed Pricing: You’ll know exactly what it costs from day one.
Home Visits or Video Calls: We work around you, making sure you’re comfortable and relaxed.

Frequently Asked Questions

"I’m only 50. Isn’t it too early?"

Absolutely not. Dementia doesn't just affect the elderly; early-onset dementia is a reality for many. Plus, LPAs also cover you in the event of an accident or stroke. It’s better to have it 20 years too early than one day too late.

"Can't my spouse just handle things?"

Common myth alert! No, they can't. Without an LPA, joint bank accounts can sometimes be restricted, and your spouse has no legal right to insist on specific medical treatments or care home choices for you.

"Is it hard to change my mind?"

As long as you still have mental capacity, you can revoke or change your LPA at any time. You are always in control.

Final Thoughts: The Gift of Clarity

Dementia can steal a person's memories and their ability to communicate, but it shouldn't be allowed to steal their dignity or their family's security.

Writing your Will and setting up your LPAs are acts of love. They provide clarity in a time of confusion. They provide a roadmap for your children or spouse so they don't have to guess what you would have wanted.

Don’t fall into the Capacity Trap. Take action this Dementia Action Week.

Give us a call at Secure Wills. We’re here to help you secure your future, simply and friendly.