Revolutionising Adult Social Care: Prevention

Goal

Help people to proactively manage their health for a better quality of life and reduced future care needs

CHALLENGES TO SOLVE

Poor management of chronic conditions (taking medicine, monitoring symptoms, diet, exercise) can lead to a rapid decline in health. It is estimated that people that are most able to manage their health conditions had 38% fewer emergency admissions than patients who were least able to.

Lack of physical activity is a leading risk factor for age-related diseases, contributing to physical decline by weakening muscles, reducing flexibility and impairing balance & coordination. Physical support needs are the biggest area of social care expenditure.

Lack of mental stimulation can accelerate mental health issues and age-related cognitive decline. This functional decline leads to a growing reliance on formal and informal caregiving. The annual per person cost for mild dementia is £28,700 compared to £85,000 for severe dementia.

Social isolation is associated with a higher risk of physical health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension etc. It also leads to mental health issues. Isolated individuals are 3.5 times more likely to enter residential care.

Non-adherence to medicine is linked to preventable conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, all of which increase the need for social care when left untreated or poorly managed. Between 30-50% of medicines for long term conditions are not taken as intended.