The future of care for elderly people

The COVID-19 pandemic is still very much with us however, it’s important to take a step back to consider the future of care for the elderly and the social care sector as a whole. With an ageing population, tighter budgets, staffing shortages and rising costs, the social care sector needs an urgent rethink but what does that look like as we plan for the future in the wake of COVID-19?

Respecting choice

A worthy starting point has to be considering what good care means to older people and understanding what they need and equally as importantly, what they want. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that the vast majority wish to remain in their own homes for as long as possible – something that has been further highlighted and reinforced by the pandemic. This means ensuring the availability of high-quality home care is a top priority for the sector.

Historically, many vulnerable people eligible for state-funded support have often been told that they have to go into a residential home, regardless of their wish to remain in their own homes, as homecare has been deemed too expensive. Perhaps as part of the sector rethink, we must make care in the home more accessible and take a ‘home first’ approach to care where possible - it would make an invaluable difference to those who fear ‘being put in a home,’ relieving the anxiety and stress that often comes with planning for care in later life.

Accessible community-based care

Since March, The UK has experienced a sense of community unlike any seen in recent years. With many citizens checking-in on their elderly and vulnerable neighbours during lockdown and the continued periods of shielding, communities have pulled together to support each other. It’s this continued community support that is needed to create an integrated care system that respects people's wishes to remain in their own homes as much as possible. The NHS’s interest in tackling loneliness and isolation is evident in the new funding stream of social prescribing and verifies that fulfilling activity and interaction is good for both our mental and physical health. There is and always will be a need for community support to underpin care in the home in the form of inclusive local social activities, mutual aid and volunteering groups. Health and social care workers must be available to provide person-centred care and having the community-based support in place to take some of the strain, will help to build the foundations of a robust integrated healthcare system for all.

Parity for care staff with the NHS

If we consider what older people with significant health and care needs actually require, it’s the right healthcare delivered by dedicated, committed professionals at the right time every time, regardless of whether they are in their own home or residential home. The health and social care sector is upheld by these devoted individuals without whom, the UK would undoubtedly face a collapse in social care. During the initial lockdown, the Government introduced the Thursday 8pm ‘Clap for the NHS’ to celebrate and thank those working on the frontline opposite the virus. Whilst the weekly show of appreciation did become more inclusive of those in social care and other sectors that were working tirelessly to keep the country fed and watered, it highlighted the disparity between care staff and the NHS.

It raised awareness of the work that the unsung heroes of the social care sector do every day, not just during a pandemic, to prevent avoidable hospital admissions so as not to overwhelm the NHS – and with an ever ageing population, this is not a service we can survive without.

Support people at home to support the NHS

Preventing unnecessary admissions to care homes and hospitals where there is currently an increased risk of COVID-19 infection must be a top priority. With winter pressures just around the corner, the nation is faced with potentially overwhelming the NHS yet again. Flu season rears its head every year but this year, we have a second wave of coronavirus to content with too. Supporting people in their own homes as far as reasonably possible would reduce the demand for beds in care homes and hospitals, and take some of the strain.

Having a more robust and integrated health and social care system is essential if we want to create a more resilient and effective care programme for older people in the future.

We’re proud to have launched our premium homecare service, Care at home, which seeks to deliver person-centred care in peoples’ own homes. We are fully equipped to provide support to your loved ones ensuring a safe and secure environment at all times. All of our nurses, healthcare assistants and home carers receive regular fully-accredited training to prepare them to deliver the best practice in care at all times.