Alzheimer's Society comment on Delivering Dignity report

'Delivering Dignity', which was jointly produced by NHS Confederation, Age UK and Local Government Association, emphasises the importance of treating older people with dignity and respect. Based on evidence gathered from 40 organisations, public hearings, and nursing reference groups, the Commission on improving dignity in care for older people have compiled a number of recommendations for improving older people's care.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'There is no such thing as a one size fits all approach to care. Every person has different needs, preferences and fears. Yet these differences are too often being dismissed or ignored by a system that often seems to have lost sense of its priorities.

'People with dementia are some of the hardest hit by the current failings. They are staying in hospital longer than necessary and being deprived of a good quality of life in care homes. We need to make sure that red tape and ticklists are replaced by compassion and understanding and that people are put back at the centre of care. Empowering staff with dementia training and giving vulnerable people a voice are the first steps along this path.'

Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society