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Michael Smith & Co Solicitors

Michael Smith & Co Solicitors is an Ipswich based law firm that offers a personal approach to meet the legal needs of our clients including Wills, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney, Family Law and conveyancing. Established by Michael Smith in 1990, our experienced team offers professional legal help in a friendly and efficient way. Our costs are transparent and agreed in advance and we offer our clients an initial, thirty minute meeting at no charge. Michael Smith & Co Solicitors is located on St Margaret’s Green, in the heart of Ipswich and offers free parking to our clients, to make visits as stress-free as possible.

Updated:
22 January 2019
Location:
East of England
Sectors:
Legal
Local Alliances:
Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance

1. Action Plan

1. The National Dementia Declaration lists seven outcomes that the DAA are seeking to achieve for people with dementia and their carers. How would you describe your organisation’s role in delivering better outcomes for people with dementia and their carers?

At Michael Smith & Co Solicitors we understand that everyone’s circumstances are different so we take time to listen and make sure the right member of our team is working for each client.

We offer appointments at client’s homes, both within and outside of normal office hours.

 Clients are given the direct telephone number and email address for the solicitor handling their matter which improves communication and fosters a positive and respectful relationship.

 Michael Smith & Co Solicitors supports a local weekly dementia charity in Ipswich called Memory Lane Café by providing legal clinics for carers and free office support and legal guidance for the committee.

2. What are the challenges to delivering these outcomes from the perspective of your organisation?

The team within Michael Smith & Co will benefit from a greater understanding of dementia and the role they can play in assisting people living with the condition.

They could become more aware of the desired outcomes for people living with dementia and also an understanding of how to support their carers.

2. Actions

  • Dementia Training

    To organise in-house training with a Dementia Champion and make all staff available to attend.

    Status:
    Completed

  • Dementia Friends

    To encourage all staff to become Dementia Friends

    Status:
    Planning

  • Community Support

    To support a local dementia support group and offer legal clinics to carers, cared for and those bereaved by dementia. To encourage the staff to spend time at Memory Lane to become more aware of the challenges of living with dementia and how the services offered at Michael Smith & Co can meet be adapted to meet the needs of this vulnerable group.

    Status:
    Being implemented

  • Office Environment

    To assess the office setting to ensure that people living with dementia feel comfortable and relaxed during their visit, allowing them to make decisions in a relaxed and supported environment.

    Status:
    Being implemented

  • Home Visits

    Providing legal support to those people living with dementia by offering visits and appointments at home. This will allow the carer and their loved one to remain in a familiar and relaxed environment while discussing information that may be sensitive and require careful consideration.

    Status:
    Completed
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