Alzheimer's Society has launched a new campaign, Fix Dementia Care, calling for urgent improvements in hospital care for people living with dementia. An investigation by the charity found that 28 per cent of people over the age of 65 who fell in hospital had dementia, a figure that rose to 71 per cent among those with more complex needs. The campaign has drawn support from a local MP who is pressing for legislative changes to ensure better standards of care, a move that resonates deeply with families across Oldham.

The campaign aims to address the specific challenges faced by people with dementia in hospital settings, such as confusion, disorientation, and lack of appropriate support. It calls for mandatory training for all hospital staff in dementia care and for wards to be designed to reduce distress for patients. This is particularly relevant for Oldham, where an ageing population means many families are navigating the realities of dementia, including early-onset forms that can have a profound and sudden impact.

Local Alzheimer's Society representatives have emphasised that early diagnosis and compassionate hospital care are critical for maintaining quality of life. For couples affected by early-onset Alzheimer's, the diagnosis often comes as a shock, reshaping daily life and future plans. The Fix Dementia Care campaign seeks to ensure that when hospital care is needed, patients receive treatment that respects their dignity and addresses their unique needs.

An MP supporting the campaign highlighted that many residents in Oldham and surrounding areas have firsthand experience of the shortcomings in hospital care for people with dementia. By advocating for better staff training and more appropriate environments, the campaign hopes to reduce anxiety for patients and their families alike. The Alzheimer's Society continues to work with local communities to raise awareness and provide resources for those affected by dementia in Oldham.