Hospitals not designed to treat dementia

Hospitals worldwide are not designed “well enough” for treating dementia and often it is because of a lack of workers and skills.

The accusation comes after Australian researchers found people suffering from dementia who were admitted to hospital had “substantially worse” prospects for recovery than those patients without dementia.

The University of New South Wales research findings were presented at the National Dementia Research Forum in Sydney late last month.

Based on a study of more than 20,000 dementia sufferers admitted to NSW public hospitals in 2006 to 2007, chief investigator and school of psychiatry conjoint professor, Brian Draper, revealed dementia patients had higher mortality rates, longer admissions and an increased risk of being transferred to a nursing home.

According to Professor Draper, people with dementia have more than double the risk of hip fractures and head injuries and are susceptible to a range of other illnesses including chest and urinary infections, frequently requiring them to be admitted to hospital.

“Being in a strange hospital environment can increase confusion and some may be better off treated in their own home, provided there are adequate medical, allied health and nursing services to support them and their carers,” Professor Draper said.

He suggested advanced care planning was needed to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions for people with dementia living in residential aged care facilities.

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