Dementia sufferers are ‘likely’ to experience poor care

Some of the most vulnerable elderly people in Britain are still routinely denied compassion and basic care, despite continued scrutiny on the standards of care – according to the Care Quality Commission.

Dementia patients not getting enough support

The health watchdog found that every dementia sufferer is ‘likely’ to come across impersonal, uncaring or rushed care during some point of their care – whether that is in care homes or hospitals.

This worrying assessment of standards follows a programme of inspections that focused on standards of care for those with dementia. The inspections covered a sample of 129 care homes and 20 hospitals in England and looked at four key areas:

  1. whether patients’ individual needs are being properly assessed
  2. how care was planned and delivered
  3. how different providers worked together
  4. how the quality of care was monitored.

The inspections found that the assessments designed to identify care needs for individuals were often being rushed or offered in a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

The problems were found to be worse in hospitals, however the report (called “Cracks in the Pathway”) also noted worrying standards in care homes.

Overall it was reported that in 56% of the hospitals inspected and three out of 10 care homes, assessments were not considered comprehensive enough. The Care Quality Commission did also recognise that during their inspection they came across examples of ‘excellent care’ with cases of extremely knowledgeable staff.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke out about the results of the report,

“There can be no excuse, and no hiding place, for poor care within our NHS – we are focusing on improving the lives of dementia patients and their families as never before.”

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Written by Kat Nicholls
Kat is a Content Producer for Memiah and writer for Counselling Directory and Happiful magazine.
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Written by Kat Nicholls
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