Reference O'Callaghan, Richman and MajumdarO'Callaghan et al(2010) rightly highlight the fact that non-pharmacological management is a realistic intervention to reduce the risk of aggression and violence in elderly people with dementia. The NICE clinical guideline on dementia mentions individually tailored care plans and consideration of approaches such as aromatherapy, multisensory stimulation, therapeutic use of music and/or dancing, animal-assisted therapy and massage to reduce agitation and aggression (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence 2006).

I remember during my MRCPsych CASC examination that I had to explain these non-pharmacological interventions to a patient's relative, who seemed very pleased and relieved that there were alternatives to medication. However, numerous hospitals and care homes already do not provide such treatments. And in the current economic climate, with NHS and social care facing many cuts in the near future, I wonder whether elderly patients will continue to have access to these very useful therapies in services that offer them at present. Losing access to these therapies could have a detrimental effect on our patients’ physical and mental health. As mental health professionals, I think we have a role in highlighting the importance of these approaches: not only are they of great benefit to our patients, but also they reduce the risk of violence, making things safer for patients, staff and carers.