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Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland:
‘Small, inexpensive changes’ in hospital care, claims Commission’s study, can improve the lives of elderly
A report published by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, says that hospital–based care for patients with severe dementia should be driven by patient need rather than resources. Older and Wiser presents findings from unannounced visits to 16 wards that provide long–term nursing care for people with dementia, across Scotland.
During visits Commission staff met with patients, interviewed any relatives or carers present at the time and asked ward staff about improvements they would like to see for their patients. Patient files were reviewed to get a picture of the care and treatment being provided to individuals on the ward. Time was also taken to gain an impression of ward environments and their appropriateness for patients with severe dementia.
The watchdog's report draws particular attention to the need to improve the quality of physical environments provided for dementia patients and access to 'off–ward' activities for patients.Through its review of patient files the Commission found that several patients had not crossed the hospital threshold for over two years, many more had not been out in the last year.
"With dementia rising," says Commissioner Jamie Malcolm, "it is essential that we can all feel confident that should we, or someone we care about, need hospital treatment that this would be provided in a pleasant environment, by staff who have the skills and resources necessary to provide kindly and sophisticated care. While adequate resources are essential, the quality of life for many of the patients we saw could be hugely improved by some small, inexpensive changes. Things like more accessible transport, better information for carers, improved signage and a deeper understanding of individual life histories would make an enormous difference."
For more details and to read the Older and Wiser report visit the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland website at: www.mwcscot.org.uk.
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