The Alzheimer's Society is warning that dementia patients admitted to hospital in England play ‘russian roulette’ with their health.

They claim to have found shocking evidence of poor and variable care during a recent review which details problems with falls, night time discharges and re-admissions.

One in four hospital beds is believed to be occupied by a person with dementia – that’s huge.

The Alzheimer's Society called for all hospitals to publish an annual statement of dementia care, as part of efforts to improve standards.

The report showed that more than 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 who fell had dementia – in some trusts it topped 70%. It also showed that people with dementia stay 5 to 7 days longer than other patients over the age of 65, and 1 in 10 people over 65 were discharged from hospital at night. Being discharged at night if you have dementia is very confusing and disorientating.

The charity also carried out a survey of dementia patients, which showed patients being treated with excessive force, not being given help with meals and being left in soiled sheets. 9 in 10 dementia patients said they found hospitals were frightening.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society said; “Good dementia care should never be a throw of the dice – yet people are forced to gamble with their health every time they are admitted to hospital.”

Independent analysis has shown that if a person with dementia falls in hospital, they spend nearly four times as long there and the resulting complications increase the likelihood of heading for residential care.

Only 2% of dementia patients who took part in the survey said they felt all hospital staff understood the specific needs of people with dementia.

This is why dementia awareness and detailed training for all healthcare workers is so essential. It is something Absolute Healthcare are 100% committed to as part of our care worker training, to ensure we’re offering the very best care for dementia patients in the comfort of their own homes.

The Alzheimer’s Society is starting a new campaign for 2016 “Fix Dementia Care” which will look at the quality of care people with dementia receive in hospitals, care homes and their own homes. We look forward to seeing the results of this campaign and helping to raise awareness.