What percentage of older patients with delayed discharge have dementia?

Approximately 24% of patients aged 65 and over who experience delayed discharge are believed to have dementia.

What are the consequences of delayed hospital discharge for dementia patients?

Delayed discharge contributes to significant NHS costs and bed shortages, and prolonged hospital stays increase risks for dementia patients such as falls, infections, and cognitive decline.

How does dementia care impact NHS pressures?

Improving dementia care and support is considered vital for the NHS, particularly during peak times like winter, as it can help prevent hospital admissions and facilitate timely patient discharges.

Home / Health / Dementia patients fuel hospital bed shortages

Dementia patients fuel hospital bed shortages

13 Feb

•

Summary

Around 24% of patients aged 65+ with delayed discharge have dementia.
Delayed discharge affects patients fit to leave hospital.
Dementia patients face risks from prolonged hospital stays.

Dementia patients fuel hospital bed shortages

Research indicates that around 24% of patients aged 65 and over facing delayed discharge are believed to have dementia. This situation, where individuals medically fit to leave hospital are detained longer due to external factors, has seen a steady rise since the pandemic.

Alzheimer's Society estimates that this adds up to 584,000 bed days and hundreds of millions of pounds in annual NHS costs. Experts highlight that social care must be a recognized partner to the NHS, receiving adequate funding to support people with dementia effectively.

Extended hospital stays also heighten risks for those with dementia, including falls, infections, worsening cognitive function, and malnutrition. Addressing dementia care and support is seen as crucial for the NHS, especially during peak winter pressures. Early diagnosis and appropriate services can prevent admissions, while better post-hospital support facilitates timely discharge.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.