Age UK has issued a clarion call for a fundamental shift towards joined-up home and community-based health and social care services for older people. The charity argues that this is crucial in reducing emergency hospital admissions, particularly for those aged 75 and above. According to Age UK, 1 in 6 emergency admissions of people over 75 occur within 30 days of last being discharged from hospital. This results in approximately 36,000 older people being readmitted to hospital within a month of discharge.
These statistics are a stark reminder of the need for more effective and joined-up care for older people. Age UK is urging the government to implement a more coordinated approach to healthcare, which prioritises community-based services and preventative care. This would enable older people to receive the right care in the right place, reducing the need for unnecessary hospital admissions.
NHS data shows that hospital admissions for people aged 75 and above are a significant burden on the healthcare system. In 2020-21, there were over 1.1 million emergency hospital admissions for people aged 75 and above, with the majority being for conditions such as falls, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
Age UK is not alone in its concerns. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended that hospitals adopt a more community-focused approach to care, prioritising prevention and early intervention. NHS England has also set out plans to shift care out of hospitals and into the community, with a focus on improving outcomes for older people.
The practical implications for UK patients are clear: better care in the community could mean fewer hospital admissions, reduced waiting times, and improved health outcomes. For the NHS, a more coordinated approach to care could mean reduced pressures on hospitals, improved efficiency, and better use of resources.