The Alzheimer’s Society has published a report ‘Counting the cost: caring for people with dementia on hospital wards’.  

Dr Duncan Forsyth said: “This is a timely report which challenges how patients with dementia are being cared for in acute hospitals.  We welcome its recommendations, and in particular the need for the acute care workforce to receive adequate training to understand the specific needs of patients with dementia.  Nurses and healthcare assistants must understand dementia and how it can affect those in their care.  Of course, for people with dementia to be better cared for, their dementia must be recognised and so it is beholden of medical staff to screen for cognitive impairment.  We also need to consider how we can best involve the friends and relatives of patients with dementia in their care whilst they are in hospital, e.g.  by having unrestricted visiting hours, and inviting them to help at mealtimes.”

For more information, contact Iona-Jane Harris T: 020 7608 8573 or 07766 227724

Notes to Editors

1. The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) is a membership association of doctors, nurses, therapists, scientists and others with a particular interest in the care of the frail older person and in promoting better health in old age.
2. The BGS strives to promote better understanding of the healthcare needs of older people and to share examples of best practice to ensure that older patients are treated with dignity and respect by all clinical staff they come into contact with.
3. The BGS welcomes any healthcare professional with a particular interest in the care of older people to join the society and to benefit from its collective expertise.