CQC dementia care review.

A major review by the Care Quality Commission into care provided to people living with dementia found an “unacceptable gap” in its quality which means people risk facing poor standards when they move between care homes and hospitals.

The CQC reviewed dementia services in 129 care homes and 20 hospitals across England studying: how people’s care needs were assessed; how care was planned and delivered; how providers worked together and how quality of care was monitored.

In 29% of care homes and 56% of hospitals inspected, assessments were not comprehensive in identifying all a person’s care needs and the impact this has on people living with dementia.

In 34% of care homes and 42% of hospitals, there were aspects of “variable or poor” care regarding how standards met people’s mental health, emotional and social needs.

The review, Cracks In The Pathway,  found when people were admitted to hospital through A&E there was too much focus on their physical health needs. The review found poor sharing of information between health professionals.

It adds that people living with dementia in care homes and hospitals may not be able to tell staff about their pain and there was a lack of understanding and knowledge of dementia care by staff.

CQC chief inspector of adult social care, Andrea Sutcliffe, said: “Our review found some great care, delivered by committed, skilled and dedicated staff. But this is not the case everywhere, or even within the same service, meaning too many people are at risk of poor care. This has got to change.

“A wealth of guidance exists to drive the delivery of excellent care for people living with dementia. We need to make sure that every care home and hospital achieves the high standards we see in the best services.

“Our new approach to the regulation and inspection of health and social care means that we can celebrate good care, identify where improvements are needed and take action where necessary so that people living with dementia, their families and carers can always be confident about the care they receive.”

Kim Daniells of the CNCI team said "demographic changes mean that coping with, and responding to, the needs of those with dementia will be key challenges for both public and private sectors. The CQC review helps to highlight those areas where services are excellent but also poor. It remains to be seen how swiftly, and effectively society can respond".