In response to research published today in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia which shows an increase in reliance on emergency care for dementia patients towards the end of their lives, Julia Scott CEO of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists said:
"Sadly, people with complex and deteriorating needs are sometimes regarded simply as a set of care needs rather than as a person who need increasing help and support. This can lead to the type of disjointed care highlighted in this report and results in thousands of unnecessary hospital admissions every year, at huge financial cost to the health and care system and emotional cost to the person and their family.
“This is especially true for people who have dementia. The sudden transfer into an unfamiliar environment, with unfamiliar faces and invasive procedures causes unnecessary distress. That is why we are calling for all A&E departments to have occupational therapists at the front door to prevent unnecessary admissions, and for local authorities to deploy occupational therapy led social care which sees the whole person, encourages advanced planning and address end of life needs.”