How to keep people living with dementia safe in the ED

Emergency department (ED) admissions can expose people living with dementia to risks, including of developing delirium. According to an Age and Ageing 2022 study, 75% of people living with dementia have at least one hospital admission following diagnosis. Relationship-centred nursing care for people living with dementia is paramount. Measures ED nursing staff could deploy to support people with the condition include checking whether they are in pain, thirsty, hungry or need help to get to the toilet.