Age UK's integrated care pathway reaches next phase

Age UK's integrated care pathway to be established in Portsmouth as part of national roll out.

An integrated care pathway uniquely designed to help older people with multiple long term conditions is being set up in Portsmouth in the next phase of a national roll out.

The pathway, which is being set up by Portsmouth CCG with the support of Age UK, follows the success of a pilot scheme in Cornwall which has already helped more than 600 people to improve their wellbeing and remain independent.

Portsmouth Scheme to help 1,000 older people

It's hoped the Portsmouth scheme will help 1,000 older people with two or more conditions who are at risk of being hospitalised.

The news comes as the Government today announces additional funding to expand the integrated care pathway, Living Well, in Cornwall. 

Piloted by the Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group with the support of Age UK in 2012, it is aimed at helping older people in the Newquay and Penwith areas with conditions including diabetes, memory loss and risk of falling.

Care pathway 'already transforming the lives of older people'

From October the project is being expanded to include East Cornwall where it is intended to provide support for 2,000 more people who have two or more long term conditions or are receiving a social care package.

Funding for the expansion is being announced this morning by the Cabinet Office as part of its Supporting Older People and Reducing Pressure on Hospitals Fund.

Pam Creaven, Age UK's Services Director said, 'Our integrated care pathway is already transforming the lives of older people who have taken part, helping to keep them healthy and out of hospital and enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives. 

'We believe if we can roll the scheme out nationally, we can radically improve later life for many older people. We're delighted that the Government is giving us this extra funding to help us reach even more older people with multiple conditions who are at risk of being hospitalised.'

A combination of medical and non-medical support

The Living Well project brings together voluntary, health and care services to offer a combination of medical and non-medical support. An Age UK staff member or highly trained volunteer plays a key role working with the older person via a guided conversation to draw up a care plan which suits their life and will help them maintain their health and wellbeing.

People are referred to Age UK by doctors, nurses, the council or anyone involved with someone's care who they think may benefit from this holistic response.

Preliminary findings are promising and include reductions in non-elective admission costs and acute admissions for long terms conditions and a 23 per cent self-reported improvement in mental wellbeing.