‘Inappropriate drug use’ for dementia

An Alzheimer Scotland report this week raised concerns over the
care provided for people with dementia in the nation’s care
homes.

It says many of the approximately 19,000 care home residents with
dementia are being inappropriately prescribed antipsychotic drugs,
while on average they spend just 3 per cent of their day doing
constructive activities.

The report calls for care to be much more person-centred and
focused on promoting well-being; antipsychotic drugs should be used
only as a last resort. Better training and lower staff-resident
ratios are also called for.

The charity said: “A flexible, person-centred care package should
be created for every dementia patient. Care staff should know the
person’s life, experiences and preferences to prevent people with
dementia experiencing a loss of well-being. Activities should be
led by an activity worker, be dementia-friendly and reflect
individual interests, abilities and spiritual needs.”

• For more details on This is My Home: Quality of Care for People
  with Dementia Living in Care Homes, visit www.alzscot.org