"Dementia Care"

My mother was recently in Ward 52 then transferred to an assessment unit.  3 days before she moved I took in  a full bag of clothes including brand new underwear and trousers.  By the time she got to the assessment unit she had only what she stood up in!

During her stay in the hospital I had the opportunity to see inside the room where they keep patients clothes and they were all over the place.  I also spoke to staff during that time who didn't know my mother had any other clothes as a result my mother spent 5 days in a hospital gown when her clothes lay in a cupboard and then wore the same things for days on end.

A day before my mother was moved my brother was asked to go in and pick up a large bag of laundry but when he arrived he was given a bag with 1 item.

I was shocked at the lack of both an efficient system and communication between staff.  I understand why clothes are kept in a separate room but just because these patients have dementia does not mean you can treat them without dignity.