Housing association sees dramatic fall in use of psychotropic drugs

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Local Government

A housing association has seen a dramatic fall in the number of its residents being perscribed psycotropic drugs from 47% to just 2% by introducing a new method of treating people with dementia, writes Rupert Adcock.

West Midlands based Accord Housing Association, part of the Accord Group released the figures to mark national dimentia awareness week (3-9 July).

By using a method dubbed 'The Eden Alternative' the asscoiation saw a fall in use of psycotropic drugs from 21 trial residents to just one after the trial had been carried out.

Psycotropic drugs can affect brain functions and lead to changes in mood, conciousness and behaviour.

Founded in 1991 by a Harvard-educated physician, Eden aims to promote spontaneity and variety, creating care homes that are lively and interesting places to live.

Residents are encouraged to interact with plants, animals and children in order to encourage interaction.

Choice and control is given to them as they decide what outings and activities they want to do.

Lisa Johnston, Manager of Bennett House Care Home, which uses the Eden Alternative, said: “The changes we have seen here since we adopted the Eden approach have been massive. It has changed things for everyone, all for the better. Residents are happier, so are staff. It’s a real pleasure coming to work.”

Around 800,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia with 62,000 sufferers across the West Midlands alone. Symptoms can include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.The Eden Alternative has trained over 17,000 Eden Associates and is adopted in more than 300 registered care homes in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia.