Informal carers of people with dementia work with the person with dementia and with professionals to form a secure triangle of care. They make a huge contribution to the health and well-being of individuals and to the economics of care. They have rights recognised in legislation.

Unfortunately, they are often dismayed by the care received by individuals with dementia when admission to a general hospital becomes necessary. This can be avoided and much better outcomes achieved for all concerned if professionals work with informal carers throughout the process of considering admission, effecting admission, and living through admission to discharge or death. Informal carers do not constitute a homogenous group: they have a range of characteristics, strengths, and needs.

Some are old; many have pathology of their own and multiple responsibilities. They need to be listened to and to be respected.