Changes in Elderly Care in the UK

The last few years have brought many changes across the healthcare system, including changes in elderly care here in the UK. Advances in treatment and medicines have enabled better care to be provided for people entering their later stages of life. Whether in hospitals, care homes, nursing homes, or even assisted living.

Care for the elderly

Dedicating your time to helping those who have lived a lifetime can be a rewarding and valuable career choice. The more senior generation has different needs and requirements than other people, tending to suffer multiple ailments and conditions.

Common conditions in older age include hearing loss, cataracts and refractive errors. Back and neck pain and osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression and dementia. As people age, they are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time.

Generally, someone over the age of 65 might be considered an older person.  However, it is not easy to apply a strict definition because people can biologically age at different rates. For example, someone aged 75 may be healthier than someone aged 60.  Instead of simply age, being more frail has a bigger impact on their likelihood of requiring care and support.

Changes in elderly care 2023

Since the start of the pandemic, the government and NHS have been working to improve all areas of elderly care to reduce the burden on the already overworked and stretched system.

Tens of thousands of elderly and vulnerable people will receive tailored support at home as part of a new NHS plan to improve waiting times for emergency care. The aim is to reduce wait times, reduce unnecessary hospital visits and improve ambulance response times. At-risk patients will receive faster treatment and care.

Virtual Care

To support frail elderly patients or those with acute respiratory infections and cardiac conditions, high-tech virtual wards are in place. They are being utilised to support and treat patients in their own homes. Patients are reviewed daily by the clinical team who may visit them at home or use video technology to monitor and check how they are recovering.

The NHS has already rolled out virtual wards, treating patients in their own homes. Growing evidence shows that these are a safe and efficient alternative to hospital care, particularly for frail patients.

These patients are being supported by clinicians to recover in the comfort of their own homes, rather than in the hospital – and have increased the number of patients that can be cared for in this way. Hospital beds are being sent home and support patients’ recovery at home.

Elderly patient care is always going to be a large part of the healthcare system. Meaning there are always going to be careers available in the sector. If you are looking to advance your career or change roles, contact the team at Cucumber. They will help you to find your perfect role.