Personalized Home Support Service Reduces Hospital Admissions for Older Adults
A new home-based support service designed for older adults with mild frailty has been shown to significantly reduce emergency hospital admissions by over a third, according to a groundbreaking study led by researchers at University College London (UCL). The findings, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, highlight the potential of community-based interventions to ease the burden on the National Health Service (NHS) while improving the well-being of older adults.
The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), evaluated a personalized support program that provided six home visits by trained support workers. These visits were tailored to address individual needs, including home-based exercise programs, nutritional support, mental well-being strategies, and social engagement initiatives. The goal was to help older adults maintain their independence and prevent their health from deteriorating.
Study Findings: Significant Reduction in Hospital Admissions
The clinical trial involved 388 participants aged 65 and above from three locations—London, Hertfordshire, and Yorkshire—who were identified as having “mild frailty.” Among them, 195 received the new support service, while 193 continued with their usual care without additional interventions.
Over the course of a year, researchers found that those who received personalized home support experienced a 35% reduction in emergency hospital admissions. This translated into an average cost saving of £586 per person for the NHS.
Lead researcher Professor Kate Walters (UCL Epidemiology & Health Care) emphasized the importance of early interventions in preventing hospitalizations. “We developed this service in collaboration with experts, older adults, and caregivers to support those with mild frailty in staying independent and healthy for longer. Our findings demonstrate that personalized home visits can significantly lower hospital admissions and ease pressure on healthcare services,” she said.
Additional Benefits and Policy Implications
Beyond the reduction in hospital visits, the study also found improvements in participants’ psychological distress, overall frailty scores, and general well-being. However, the intervention did not show significant improvements in self-care independence.
The research aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to shift healthcare from hospitals to community-based, preventative care. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has emphasized the need to alleviate pressure on hospitals by investing in early interventions and support services.
NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme Director, Andrew Farmer, praised the study’s findings, stating: “The HomeHealth intervention has the potential to help older adults remain independent, improving their quality of life while reducing hospital admissions and long-term care costs. By addressing key areas like physical strength, nutrition, and social engagement, this program could prevent the need for more intensive medical support.”
Future Implementation and Expansion
The researchers believe that, with the right funding and policy support, the service could be implemented nationwide within the next two years. Partnering with Age UK, who helped deliver the service during the trial, the team hopes to make personalized home support a standard part of elderly care in the UK.
Professor Walters added, “By investing in preventive measures, the NHS could see significant cost savings while enhancing the well-being of older adults. Our research highlights the value of community-based support in reducing hospital strain and promoting healthier aging.”
