AN EXPERT in dementia care has warned that moving people with the disease between care homes could increase their risk of death.

Professor June Andrews, a former university lecturer and author, has urged relatives to think twice before swapping their relatives accommodation if they are dissatisfied with the service.

The academic also said She thinks care home staff should treat all residents as if they have dementia as many cases of the disease are undiagnosed.

She spoke to the Evening Times following our investigations into care home abuse where we revealed staff had slapped, pushed and ridiculed those living at one care home in the city.

At another home an employee was struck off the social care register for making sexual remarks to residents.

Charity Action on Elder Abuse estimates there to be thousands of elderly abuse victims living in the city - including those living in care homes, still in their own home or with relatives.

The abuse they are understood to face is a combination of financial and psychological abuse, but also includes sexual, physical and emotional damage.

The charity has recently set up a phone line for people to report abuse anonymously.

Professor Andrews said: “The nuclear option if relatives are not happy is to go to another care home but the reason you'd avoid that is moving from one care home to another can be quite distressing.

"Although its a thing at some point you might decide you have to do, the mortality rate for people with dementia once they have moved is increased slightly. It carries risks."

Professor Andrews, who has written a guide to dementia, has advised residents who are looking for a home for a relative with the disease to make sure to ask questions when they visit prospective homes.

She said often people can be in a rush to find accommodation due to the urgency of the situation, and as a result forget to check basic things such as how the staff are interacting with residents during a visit, or how clean the place is.

She said: "I think it's important to ask questions when you go and visit, take a check list.

"Id also say have someone with you as sometimes you'll be asking questions so you won't notice things going on around you.

One thing to look out for is do the residents look happy, is the person showing you around speaking to the residents?

"The place doesn't have to be swanky or posh,. but somewhere smelly and dirty is not good."

Residents should ideally have an ensuite toilet, access to outdoor space and be able to control temperature in their room, according to Professor Andrews.

The professor also recommended relatives organise a power of attorney as early as possible to ensure family member is able to make decisions if needed when the time comes.