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Housing and health: Reducing hospital admissions

Explores the role of adequate housing in preventing hospital admissions and improving care transitions.

Key Stats 

  • Reduction in emergency care usage: A 2013-14 study reported a 39.5% decrease in A&E visits and a 53.8% reduction in acute hospital stays among clients with a history of falls who received services from the Hub. 
  • Sustained independent living: In 2015-16, 91% of clients remained in their own homes one year post-intervention, reducing reliance on residential care. 
  • Decreased hospital admissions: There was a 20% reduction in hospital admissions for emergency inpatient care among Hub clients compared to those who did not receive support. 
  • Improved well-being: Approximately 86.3% of clients reported enhanced health and well-being, reduced anxiety, and increased confidence at home following interventions. 

Key Messages 

  • Preventive interventions: Addressing housing-related health hazards proactively can significantly reduce emergency healthcare utilisation and improve quality of life. 
  • Collaborative approach: Partnerships between housing services and health and social care professionals are essential for identifying at-risk individuals and delivering effective support. 
  • Cost-effectiveness: Investing in housing improvements for vulnerable populations can lead to substantial savings in healthcare and social care expenditures. 
  • Sustainable outcomes: Holistic interventions not only address immediate health concerns but also contribute to long-term independent living and reduced demand for institutional care. 

Commentary 

The Derby City Healthy Housing Hub demonstrates how targeted, place-based interventions can reduce health inequities linked to poor housing conditions. By focusing on older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and low-income households, the Hub tackles social care inequities worsened by inadequate housing. Its success highlights the value of integrating housing initiatives with health and social care services to create more equitable support systems. Such models are particularly important in urban areas, where housing quality varies widely, and disadvantaged communities often face barriers to accessing essential care. 

Impact of national policy on end-of-life care experiences for older adults

Investigating how policy changes affect end-of-life care in certain areas

Key Messages  

  • Place of death preferences: A significant proportion of older adults express a preference to die at home or in familiar surroundings, yet many continue to die in hospital settings. 
  • Resource allocation disparities: Variations in local funding and resource distribution contribute to unequal access to quality end-of-life care services across different regions. 
  • Policy-practice gap: Despite national policies advocating for patient-centred end-of-life care, implementation at the local level often falls short, leading to inconsistencies in care experiences. 

Policy Implications 

  • Alignment of policy and practice: There is a critical need to bridge the gap between national end-of-life care policies and their practical implementation to ensure consistent and equitable care for older adults. 
  • Holistic care approach: Effective end-of-life care should integrate medical treatment with social and emotional support, honouring the preferences of older adults to receive care in familiar environments. 
  • Addressing systemic disparities: Policymakers must recognise and address the systemic factors contributing to regional inequalities in end-of-life care provision, ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality care regardless of location. 

Commentary 

This study highlights significant geographical disparities in the provision of end-of-life care for older adults in England. Variations in local resources and funding result in unequal access to quality care, with some regions unable to fully implement national policies due to systemic constraints. These inequities underscore the necessity for targeted policy interventions that consider regional differences, aiming to provide equitable end-of-life care services across all areas. Addressing these disparities is essential to honour the preferences of older adults and to ensure that high-quality care is accessible to all, irrespective of geographical location.