{"id":7684,"date":"2026-09-26T23:53:47","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T23:53:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visiting-angels.co.uk\/cheshire-east\/?p=7684"},"modified":"2026-09-27T00:02:58","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T00:02:58","slug":"dementia-diagnosis-first-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visiting-angels.co.uk\/cheshire-east\/dementia-diagnosis-first-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"Just diagnosed with dementia: the first month."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Quick summary<\/b><\/h3>

The diagnosis appointment often tells you little about what happens next. In the first month: make sure there is a named care coordinator, set up Lasting Powers of Attorney while it is still possible, tell the DVLA and the car insurer, claim Attendance Allowance, and ask about the Council Tax disregard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

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First, give it a few days<\/b><\/h3>

A diagnosis can land as a shock even when everyone suspected it, and sometimes as a relief because it explains the last year or two.<\/span><\/p>

There is a lot to do, but very little of it has to be done immediately. The one exception is Lasting Power of Attorney, because it relies on the person being able to make that decision, and that is easier sooner rather than later.<\/span><\/p>

Around 944,000 people in the UK have dementia, and around 1 in 11 people over 65 (<\/span>NHS, What is dementia<\/span><\/a>). A diagnosis also opens the door to treatment, support and planning that are hard to get without one.<\/span><\/p>

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The first month<\/b><\/h3>

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Task<\/b><\/p><\/th>

Why it matters<\/b><\/p><\/th>

Who to contact<\/b><\/p><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>

Find out who the named care coordinator is<\/b><\/p><\/td>

NICE says everyone diagnosed should have one person responsible for coordinating their care<\/span><\/p><\/td>

The memory service or GP<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Lasting Powers of Attorney<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Must be made while the person can understand and make the decision<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Office of the Public Guardian, 0300 456 0300<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Tell the DVLA and the car insurer<\/b><\/p><\/td>

A legal requirement after a dementia diagnosis<\/span><\/p><\/td>

DVLA and insurer<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Attendance Allowance<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Funding that\u2019s not means-tested. \u00a376.70 or \u00a3114.60 a week<\/span><\/p><\/td>

DWP, 0800 731 0122<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Council Tax disregard<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Can remove the bill entirely for someone living alone<\/span><\/p><\/td>

District, borough or unitary council<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Carer’s assessment<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Support for the person doing the caring<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Adult social care<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Local support<\/b><\/p><\/td>

Advice, groups and someone to call<\/span><\/p><\/td>

Alzheimer’s Society, 0333 150 3456<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

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A named care coordinator<\/b><\/h3>

NICE’s dementia guideline recommends that people living with dementia are given a single named health or social care professional who is responsible for coordinating their care (<\/span>NICE NG97<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>

In practice this varies. Sometimes it is someone at the memory service, sometimes a community nurse, sometimes it is not clear at all. Ask the memory clinic or GP directly: who is the named person, and how do we contact them? If there is no answer, ask again and ask for it to be recorded.<\/span><\/p>

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Lasting Powers of Attorney<\/b><\/h3>

This is the one that cannot wait long.<\/span><\/p>

There are two types. A property and financial affairs LPA can be used as soon as it is registered, with the person’s permission. A health and welfare LPA can only be used when the person cannot make their own decisions. Most people make both. It costs \u00a392 to register each one, unless you qualify for a reduction or exemption, and registration takes 8 to 10 weeks if there are no mistakes (<\/span>GOV.UK, Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>

A diagnosis does not mean someone can no longer make an LPA. What matters is whether they can understand and make that decision at the time. If LPAs are not made and the person later loses capacity, the family may have to apply to the Court of Protection for deputyship, which is slower and more expensive.<\/span><\/p>

It\u2019s worth considering getting independent legal advice for your individuals circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

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Driving<\/b><\/h3>

NICE’s guideline says people should be told how dementia affects driving, and that they need to tell the DVLA and their car insurer about the diagnosis (<\/span>NICE NG97<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>

Telling the DVLA does not automatically mean losing the licence. Many people in the early stages carry on driving for a time, sometimes after a driving assessment. Not telling them is a legal problem and can invalidate insurance.<\/span><\/p>

Driving is often the hardest conversation in the whole first month, because the car can stand for independence in a way nothing else does. In rural parts of this area, around Chelford, Wincle or Longnor, it may also be the only practical way to get anywhere.<\/span><\/p>

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Money<\/b><\/h3>

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