NHS must stop turning other cheek

A report by the ombudsman today found that the NHS is failing to provide even the most basic standards of care for this group.  The lack of compassion and respect shown was shocking.

A quarter of all hospital beds are occupied by people with dementia and an Alzheimer's Society report recently found that people with dementia's condition frequently deteriorates while they are in hospital. The cost of poor hospital care for people with dementia is millions of pounds.

Andrew Chidgey, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer's Society says,

'Today's report is a shocking reminder that older people, especially those with dementia, are too often treated like second class citizens. Attitudes, training and problems with the wider system need to be addressed urgently. The NHS can no longer turn the other cheek. Good care is possible but only with the right approach and support.'

Alzheimer's Society's campaign 'Putting Care Right' aims to improve the care of people with dementia in hospital. To find out more or to join the campaign please visit alzheimers.org.uk/countingthecost