How Physiotherapy Can Transform the NHS and Lives of Older Adults

Loss of strength and loss of independence is seen by many, including some health practitioners, as inevitable as we get older. With over-65s accounting for 70% of bed days in hospitals in the UK, the strain on the NHS continues to grow. Prescribing activity and specialist movement to older people could not only result in a healthier aging population in the UK, but could also significantly ease pressure on the NHS by reducing the number of falls, people in care, and hospital re-admissions.

The Cost of Elderly Injuries and Re-Admissions to the NHS

The NHS faces a large number of costs related to elderly injuries and elderly care. As one of the most common injuries in older people (three million per year), falls can lead to further issues including anxiety and depression. Falls can also cause fractures and other injuries, making hospital admission more likely.

With falls costing the NHS £2.3bn per year, they are a focus point for practitioners across the UK. Reducing the number of falls in older people through methods such as physiotherapy could significantly reduce NHS costs, and keep older people healthier and more independent for longer.

How Physiotherapy Can Help The Elderly

Whether living at home or in care, independence through movement is one of the best ways to improve quality of life for older people, and reduce the risk of injuries such as falls.

It is a common opinion that once we get older, loss of muscle, balance, and subsequent movement is unavoidable. Through targeted physiotherapy, muscle strength and flexibility can be maintained and regained, helping people to stay more active in their older years.

Physiotherapy can also be incredibly effective in older people after a hospital stay, where an operation or simple lack of movement could make them at high risk of a fall or injury. By practicing intentional movement guided by a professional physiotherapist, patients can strengthen their muscles and reduce the likelihood of hospital readmission.

How Physiotherapy Can Relieve Pressure on the NHS

Older people are the most frequent users of health and social care services, with one in three people over 65 suffering a fall, and up to 50% of those aged 85 and over living with frailty. Investing in physiotherapy and rehabilitation services for the elderly can help reduce the likelihood of falls and injury, and relieve pressure on the NHS and care services.

Most balance and muscle weakness problems faced by over 65s can be targeted through physiotherapy. According to the Chartered Institute of Physiotherapy, almost 200,000 falls per year could be prevented through physiotherapy-led services, saving the NHS £275m.

Physiotherapists can also prescribe medicine and treatments to help the elderly with specific injuries, freeing up sought-after GP appointments. With almost one in six (16.5%) GP appointments involving waits of 15 days or more, and one in four GP vacancies predicted vacant by The Health Foundation by 2030-31, physiotherapists could help alleviate pressure on the NHS to provide face to face, accessible healthcare services for the elderly.

Physiotherapy services are a cost-effective investment for the NHS and greatly enhance the quality of life for older adults. These services allow them to maintain their independence and confidence for longer, without the need for full time care. By focusing on preventative exercises and choosing specialised physiotherapists, we can establish a healthier and safer environment for our elderly population.

About Therapies on Thames

Therapies on Thames offers specialist rehabilitation services for the elderly across the UK. With a head office located in Berkshire, and inpatient centres in Surrey and Gloucestershire, our team provides inpatient and home visit services for those who need physiotherapy or occupational therapy to help recover from a recent hospital admission.

All physiotherapists at Therapies on Thames are registered Charted Physiotherapists with the CSP (Charted Society of Physiotherapy) and are registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council. For added peace of mind all our physiotherapist are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked.

A charted physiotherapist is a title that only a fully qualified physiotherapist registered with the CSP (Charted Society of Physiotherapy) can use. Charted Physiotherapists have undergone intense training and have a 3–4-year university degree or equivalent and are recognised by medical professions and the Department of Health.

If you or a loved one needs assistance in regaining or maintaining an active life after a hospital stay, contact us today by completing our contact form.