Leading Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has partnered with the Eric Liddell Centre, a registered care charity and major Edinburgh community hub, to offer a free of charge drop-in session for families and carers on World Alzheimer’s Day, Thursday 21 September.

The session will provide information on the variety of issues that may be faced by those suffering with dementia and their families including: benefits of setting up a Power of Attorney (PoA); how a POA can be operated once in place; care fees planning and paying for care; Guardianship and Intervention Orders; Wills and tax planning.

The drop-in session will take place at the Eric Liddell Centre and specialists Donald Winskill and Lianne Lodge from Gillespie Macandrew will be on hand to answer any questions or concerns. Between them Donald and Lianne have built up extensive experience advising vulnerable individuals, their families and carers on planning for the future and coping with issues of incapacity.
The drop in session is free and is open to any member of the public with an interest in the area.

Agnes Mallon, Private Client Partner at Gillespie Macandrew, said:

“There are many myths surrounding what happens when someone loses the ability to make their own decisions and the prospect of care can be confusing and frightening. We can help individuals and their families with clear practical advice that comes not only from our legal expertise but our experience in the area.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Eric Liddlell Centre, which provides excellent support to those suffering from dementia and other debilitating conditions.”

The Eric Liddell Centre specialises in care for the elderly and dementia services with the aim of supporting people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

The Centre provides a person-centred day care service to 70 clients per week with a diagnosis of dementia by a dedicated team of highly qualified staff and experienced and skilled volunteers which aims to reduce social isolation and promote independence. The day care service provides respite for carers and the centre offers befriending and wellness classes that also aim to reduce stress and provide a break from this challenging role.

John MacMillan, CEO of the Eric Liddell Centre, said:

“World Alzheimer’s Day is a fitting time to recognise the pressures of responsibilities and finance faced by those caring for someone who may become incapacitated either through dementia or another condition.

“We believe it is vital that people are supported to live well with dementia which affects not only the person but their families and other loved ones, who frequently become unpaid carers.

“At the Eric Liddell Centre we have the privilege of supporting people with dementia and their carers. We look forward to welcoming anyone to the drop-in session.

The session will take place at the Eric Liddell Centre, 15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DP on Thursday 21 September between 11 am – 1 pm.