The Commission on Improving Urgent Care for Older People is calling for a fundamental change to the way care for older people is designed and delivered.
Experts, drawn from across the health and care sector, have called for a radical new approach to urgent care for older people. People aged over 85 are the fastest growing age group in England, while the population of those aged over 65 is expected to increase by 50% by 2030. It is critical that the health and care system adapts to meet the needs of today’s population.
Growing Old Togethersets out key principles for revolutionising the way that urgent care for older people is delivered, focusing on how people receive the right care based on their needs and wishes. By changing the way services to older people are organised, we can improve their care and relieve the growing pressure on acute hospitals, so that they can focus on providing timely, high quality care for those who really need it. This means addressing issues across the system.
Eight key principles for improving urgent care for older people are identified in the report. These principles have been influenced by innovative care models across the country and conversations with senior leaders across the care system, clinical experts and carers. Together the principles set out a vision for joined up, personalised and proactive care. This includes:
- Always starting with care driven by the person’s needs and personal goals.
- Care coordination that offers older people a single point of contact to guide them through an often complex system.
- Prioritising proactive and preventive care so that the health and care system is not structured around ‘short-term reactive fixes but instead long-term solutions for helping people to maintain their independence where possible. This includes encouraging social interaction to help people to stay well, and out of hospital.
The report includes evidence of the success of initiatives across the country, which have improved care and reduced pressure on the health service, but says this needs to happen nationally. The following innovative examples of integrated care were examined as part of the report:
- By using a geriatric assessment team, Sheffield Teaching Hospital has cut down hospital stay days from 5.5 days to 1.1 days.
- Introducing a care coordinator function commissioned by Age UK in Cornwall has resulted in a 31% reduction in all hospital admissions and a 26% reduction in non-elective admissions.
- By providing a home based emergency assessment and treatment service, North East London Foundation Trust and London ambulance service has saved around £108,000 by avoiding ambulance trips and reducing the need for A&E admission and assessment.
Dr Mark Newbold, chair, Commission on Improving Urgent Care for Older People, commented: “Older people do need to access A&E at times, and the best hospitals tailor their service to meet their needs. But all too often, older people are forced to go to A&E because the alternative services that would help them be cared for at home are not available at the time they need them. We want to help people to stay well both mentally and physically and receive care that responds to care needs and personal wishes. Achieving this is better for both the individual and the wider care system.”
Visit: www.nhsconfed.org
