The study of 256 residents in 55 care homes found residents took on average eight medicines each and that an average of just under two mistakes were made for each resident. Errors included prescription, dosage, unwarranted drugs and dispensing.

Contributory factors included inaccessible doctors, inadequate medicines training, poor team work between care homes, GP practices and the pharmacy and complicated administrative systems.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'It is very worrying to hear how prevalent errors in medication are in the care homes studied for this research. At least two thirds of people in care homes have dementia. Errors with medication could seriously impact on their quality of life, or worse put their lives at risk.

'Care homes should be recognised as part of the health community. Pharmacists, GPs and older people's mental health specialists must work closely with care home managers to make sure they provide people with dementia with the best possible quality of life. In particular we would like to see more medicine reviews by pharmacists and clinicians to ensure medicines are used safely and effectively.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society