Star Praised For Highlighting Importance Of Planning For Later Life Ahead Of Dementia Awareness Week

Experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell have praised Angela Rippon for raising awareness about the importance of planning for later life, after the former newsreader revealed she has edited her Will over fears she might suffer from dementia in the future.

The 71-year-old television star is an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society and spoke out about her decision to plan for the future after realising that "anything can just come out of the blue".

Media have reported she said: "None of us know what's going to happen... but I can do things like make sure my will is up-to-date and put things in place.

"I can talk with my godchildren about the care I might like. At least they won’t have to agonise over what to do with Auntie Ang."

She made the comments days before Dementia Awareness Week 2016 begins, on May 15, and prior to the release of BBC One film The Truth About Dementia next Thursday.

The presenter hopes the new documentary will help the public have a better understanding of the disease.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star described her own parents’ battle with dementia after her mother, Edna, died after suffering from the disease.

She also believes her father, John, was showing signs of the illness.

The presenter said seeing her own parents suffer prompted the decision to tackle her fears over the risk of her being effected by the disease further down the line.

She said: "There is always that anxiety, is it genetic? I am 71 and although I am fine, I do sometimes worry about my own risk.”

The Truth About Dementia, which airs on BBC One at 9pm on May 19, features Ms Rippon undergoing a series of tests to discover if she has any early signs of dementia.

Around 850,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia and figures are expected to rise to more than 2 million by 2050.

Wills and Estates specialist, Gillian Coverley praised Ms Rippon for speaking out about dementia to encourage families to plan for the future.

Expert Opinion

Sadly, the incidences of dementia are on the rise. We see first-hand what happens when people fail to prepare for the future by speaking to their loved ones and putting a solid plan in place. It is important not to leave it too late by updating your Will and making a Lasting Power of Attorney whilst you are able to do so.

If you lose capacity without a Power of Attorney in place, an application to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship order will be needed, which is much more costly and lengthy process. Also you cannot update or make a Will once you have lost capacity unless an application is made to the Court for there to be a Statutory Will made on your behalf. You do not have any say in what that Will contains and again can be a very costly and emotionally fraught process.

Planning now, with the support of your loved ones and sound legal advice, means that whatever happens in the future, you’ll be able to ensure your wishes for your finances, affairs and well-being will be met.
Gillian Coverley - National Head of Partnerships, Wills & Probate