Dementia Awareness and Planning for the Future

I recently came across a poster for Dementia Action Week. Even though it had passed—back in May—the message stayed with me. The poster was all about raising awareness of dementia, and for me, it hit close to home.

A few months ago, my dad was diagnosed with dementia. He’s doing really well at the moment, and we’re grateful for that—but I can’t help thinking about what the future might hold. Seeing that poster reminded me how important it is to keep talking about dementia, and to make sure we’re all better informed and prepared.

Whether you’ve been personally affected or not, there are some simple but powerful ways we can all raise awareness and support those living with dementia:

• Talk to Your Friends and Family

Sharing your experiences—whether you're caring for someone or simply learning about dementia—can open the door to important conversations. Discussing topics like memory loss, early diagnosis, or future care needs can help reduce stigma and encourage early action.

• Become a Dementia Friend

I became a Dementia Friend a while ago, well before my dad’s diagnosis, and I found the session really valuable. It's just 45 minutes of your time, but it gave me a better understanding of how dementia affects people and how small actions can make a big difference.
If you're curious, here's the link to find out more or sign up: Become a Dementia Friend.

• Read Personal Stories

Read a book written by people going through Dementia to gain insight into what life with dementia is really like. I’ve just ordered “What I Wish People Knew About Dementia” by Wendy Mitchell—the reviews are great, I’m hoping this will be helpful to me and my sisters and prepare us to offer the right kind of support.

How I Can Help as a SOLLA Accredited Adviser

As a Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) accredited financial adviser, I support clients and families in planning for the future—especially when it comes to care needs, later life housing, and managing finances as circumstances change.

Many people worry about how they’ll afford long-term care or navigate complex decisions like equity release, long-term care annuities, or estate planning. These are not easy conversations, but they are important ones—and having a plan in place can provide real peace of mind.

The SOLLA accreditation means I’ve undergone independent assessment to provide trusted, specialist advice tailored to the needs of older clients and their families. If you’re thinking about what support might be needed down the line—either for yourself or a loved one—I’m here to help you explore your options in a compassionate, clear, and practical way.

Final Thoughts

Raising awareness about dementia isn't just something we do once a year during an awareness week—it’s something we can weave into everyday conversations. Whether you're educating yourself, supporting someone close to you, or planning for your own later life, small steps can make a big difference.

If you’d like to talk about how I can support you or a loved one with financial planning in later life, feel free to get in touch. I’d be happy to help.