ABSTRACT
It is estimated that people with dementia over 65 currently occupy 25% of acute hospital beds at any given time and generally have a longer length of stay and poorer outcomes than those who do not. (Alzheimer’s Society 2009). Improving acute care was one of two key change areas in Scotland’s first (Scottish Government 2010) and second national Dementia Strategies (Scottish Government 2013), to ensure that when admission to hospital is unavoidable for people with dementia, the care experience is safe, coordinated, dignified and person-centred. Acknowledging that the hospital setting can be a complex and potentially frightening environment, particularly when the person with dementia may be faced with physical illness or injury, the chapter will outline and explore four core approaches: understanding the illness, knowing the person, responding sensitively to individual needs and working in partnership with families/carers and integrated partners. Throughout the chapter, there will be good practice examples, reflective questions and opportunity to apply the learning within your own practice and setting.
