Alzheimer's Society Comment - Care Quality Commission Survey Reveals Malnutrition In Hospitals

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 15 May 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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Around one in five hospital patients who have trouble feeding themselves do not get help with meals, according to the survey released by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

'It's appalling that thousands of vulnerable people who rely on the help of others to eat are being denied vital support. One quarter of all hospital beds are occupied by people with dementia, who may have difficulty swallowing; forget how to eat or stop being able to recognise food.

Regular dementia training for nurses and social care staff can help tackle this issue and simple information sharing can illustrate how dementia affects everyday tasks. One in three people over 65 die with this devastating condition. Hospitals must act now and start making dementia a priority.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

Source
Alzheimer's Society

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