Alzheimer's Society comment on Which? report on care homes

Three actors were sent to live in four randomly chosen care homes in early 2011 and recorded their experiences. They found cases of poor living conditions and nutrition, a lack of stimulation and activities for residents and people being treated in an undignified way. However, good care was possible - one of the care homes visited had a good range of fresh local food and home made cakes on offer.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'These shocking findings support Alzheimer's Society research*, which has uncovered large variations in quality of care in care homes. Two thirds of care home residents have dementia. Alzheimer's Society research has found that people with dementia in care homes spend on average just two minutes every six hours interacting with others.'

'Caring for someone with dementia isn't just about keeping them clean, warm and fed - they deserve a good quality of life, to be treated with dignity and as an individual. As the Which? report shows, good care can make all the difference. It is essential that dementia training becomes a mandatory requirement for all care home staff. We are already working with a number of care homes to improve standards and would urge other care homes to get in touch with us to work together.'

Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

Research reference: 'Home from Home' report on care homes, part of Alzheimer's Society's 'Putting Care Right' campaign, 2007.