Older people: Pilots lead to drop in hospital admission

Emergency hospital admissions among older people have reduced under a department of health-funded scheme, an evaluation has found.

The 29 Partnerships for Older People Projects (POPP), run by local-authority led partnerships, are having a “significant” effect on reducing hospital emergency bed-day use.

Pilot sites are also reporting improved access for excluded groups, and increased involvement of older people in the running of services, the Hertfordshire University evaluation found.

POPP aims to shift the culture of older people’s services away from “institutionalised” and hospital-based care towards early intervention.

The 245 pilot schemes include the use of Telecare and low-level services such as help with shopping or household repairs.

The first pilots were established in May 2006 and further evaluation findings are due next October.

Further information

Partnerships for Older People Projects

Essential information on older people