Direct Causes of Harm:

• Inadequate assessment and treatment  

• The rapid pace and technological focus of modern hospital care makes good clinical assessment and treatment more difficult in older people with dementia. 

• Often unable to communicate their needs

• Cognitive impairment creates barriers to safety

• Doctors and nurses spend less time with confused than with non- confused patients

Frequently, underlying serious illness in these patients is not recognized  
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758672/#bibr13-0141076813476497  

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Safety is important for everyone, but the need for a comprehensive safety plan becomes vital as dementia progresses. Taking measures to improve safety can prevent injuries and help the person with Alzheimer’s feel more relaxed, less overwhelmed and maintain his or her independence longer.  Read more here

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​Tips for Caregivers and Families of People With Dementia  

A caregiver, sometimes referred to as a caretaker, refers to anyone who provides care for another person. Millions of people living in the United States take care of a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.  Read more here

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Dementia and Safety

People with dementia and their caregivers need to take steps to stay safe. In the early stages of dementia, removing trip and fall hazards in the home may be all that’s needed. As dementia progresses, safety needs will change. For someone with advanced dementia, the best way to ensure their safety would be to make additional changes to their home and take other precautions. Read more here​

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Medical costs of Alzheimer's disease misdiagnosis among US Medicare beneficiaries.

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Older adults are often misdiagnosed. Specialized ERs and trained clinicians can help

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Medical errors: Hospitals often drop the ball with dementia patients

 

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