The UK population is increasingly an ageing one, and this trend is only due to become more pronounced globally. The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 (Source: WHO). In just 10 years time, the number of people aged 65 or over in the UK is predicted to rise by two million (Source: ONS)
An ageing population equates to an increase in people living with multiple long term conditions (Source: NIHR). and rising cases of dementia (Source: Fernandez et al [2022] in preparation). This will only add to the intensity of care required from the NHS and social care, and the pressure on staff.
So we need to address the present and future of the care system. The NHS Long Term Plan outlines how care homes account for 185,000 emergency admissions each year, estimating that 35-40% of these are potentially avoidable. There is also room to enhance pathways and care in the community beyond the care home, as one in seven people aged 85 or over are prematurely placed in one.
Nationally, we’re supporting initiatives that enhance the care provided in care homes, for example, by introducing remote monitoring technologies. By championing innovation and improvements, together we can reimagine care pathways, release time to care in care homes and hospitals, and help people to age well.
