A new study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) has found that a specialized home-based support service for older adults experiencing mild frailty could significantly reduce emergency hospital admissions and potentially save money for the National Health Service (NHS). The clinical trial, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), involved 388 participants aged over 65 who were assessed as having mild frailty. These individuals were randomly divided into two groups: one received six personalized home visits from a support worker, while the other continued with their usual care.
The service included tailored interventions designed to help participants stay well and independent, such as home exercise programs, nutritional support to boost energy levels, mental wellbeing improvement strategies, and increased social connections. Participants were followed for a year after receiving the intervention or continuing with standard care. The results showed that those who received the new service had a 35% reduction in unplanned hospital admissions over the study period, resulting in an average savings of £586 per person to the NHS.
“We developed this new service in collaboration with experts, older people, and carers, aiming to help individuals with mild frailty maintain their independence and health for longer,” said Kate Walters, the lead author and professor at UCL Epidemiology & Health Care. “Our study demonstrates that providing personalized home-based support can significantly reduce emergency hospital admissions while potentially freeing up hospital resources.” The research also highlighted small improvements in wellbeing, psychological distress, and frailty scores among those who received the service. However, there was no significant improvement in self-care independence levels.
The findings align with Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s pledges to alleviate pressure on hospitals by shifting focus towards community care and prevention initiatives. “The HomeHealth intervention is a prime example of how addressing key factors like strength, nutrition, and social engagement can reduce deterioration and the need for intensive support among older adults with mild frailty,” said Andrew Farmer, director of the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme.
The UCL researchers hope that with appropriate funding and support, this service could be made available nationwide within two years. “By investing in preventative measures such as these interventions, we can achieve savings elsewhere in the health system,” Professor Walters emphasized. The research was conducted alongside Age UK, which played a crucial role in delivering the service during the trial.
