Report should lead to better dementia care

Published on Friday 29 May 2009 09:57

A REPORT slamming services for people with dementia should provoke authorities to take action to improve the situation, the Royal College of Nursing has said.

The paper by the Mental Welfare Commission stated there was a lack of staff knowledge and training in care homes, and that half of people with the disease in care homes weren't getting good enough care.

While the Scottish Government has accepted the findings of the report, the Edinburgh-based RCN said the document had to be acted upon.

Its associate director for learning and development Ellen Hudson said: "People with dementia are among the most vulnerable in our society.

"The RCN has been campaigning for those working in healthcare to place dignity at the heart of everything they do. This joint report clearly demonstrates that care homes need to take action now to prioritise dignity and respect the individual."