An Insight Into the Healthcare System for the Elderly

0
326

The elderly represent a growing proportion of the UK’s population. They account for a disproportionate share of health care spending. The most prevalent health problems in this group are cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. However, with age come mobility issues that can hinder access to quality care.

Mostly, the elderly are cared for at home by family members or other caregivers. It can be a difficult and demanding task, as the elderly often need help with daily living activities. In addition, they may require specialised care for chronic conditions.

So, how is the NHS ensuring that the healthcare needs of the elderly are met? Let’s take a look.

Personalised Care Planning

Not all elderly patients have the same healthcare needs, so the NHS has introduced personalised care plans. These are designed to take into account an individual’s specific needs and preferences, and they are intended to ensure that each person receives the best care. For instance, an elderly person with dementia might have a care plan that includes regular check-ins from a social worker. In contrast, someone with heart disease might have a routine blood pressure monitoring plan.

The newly surfacing electronic care plans make it easier for different providers to access and update a patient’s progress. As a result, it is easing care coordination and giving the elderly a more active role in their health management.

Improved Access to GP Services

One of the main complaints that elderly people have about the NHS is that it can be exhausting to get an appointment with a GP. It is often because GPs are not available at convenient times or are not located near where people live. However, the NHS has been working to improve access to GP services and has introduced several initiatives.

For instance, the NHS e-Referral Service lets people book their GP appointments from the comfort of their homes. Plus, the Choose and Book system allows patients to choose which hospital they want to be referred to. The NHS has also introduced extended opening hours so that people can see a GP at a time that suits them.

Use of Technology

Technology is the heart of everything we do, and it is no different when it comes to healthcare. The NHS has been investing in new technologies to improve the care of the elderly.

For example, the NHS is promoting video consultations, which would allow people to see a GP without having to leave their homes. The NHS has also been driving the use of wearable devices, which could monitor a person’s health and send alerts to their GP if any changes occur.

For patients admitted to the facility, technology can be used for virtual visits from family and friends and for monitoring patients’ conditions. The nurse call system can also summon help if a patient needs assistance.

 

The NHS is working to improve care for the elderly. The idea is to enhance healthcare accessibility and coordination so that people can receive the care they need. There is still more work to be done, but the NHS is moving in the right direction.

Comments are closed.