Number of older people being admitted to hospital increased by two thirds in a decade
Published 28 October 2010
The number of people aged 60 and over in hospitals is increasing at a faster rate than any other age range according to a report released today (Thursday 28 October 2010).
According to the Hospital Episode Statistics: Admitted Patient Care - England 2009/10, the number of patients aged 75 and over has risen by two thirds (66 per cent) in the past decade. The number of 60-74 year olds being admitted also rose by 48 per cent. This compared to an average increase of 38 per cent.
Notes to editors:
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'It is important we don't accept these steep increases in the number of older people being admitted to hospital as an inevitable consequence of an ageing population. Many of these admissions could be avoided if better help and support was available at an earlier stage, preventing the need for expensive and distressing crisis care later on.
'People with dementia represent a very large proportion of these admissions. As many as one in four people on hospital wards have the condition and many stay in hospital far longer than necessary. Investing in care in the community now would enable many of these people to stay at home for longer and could help save the NHS millions of pounds.'
Ruth Sutherland
Interim Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society
- Ends -
Notes to editors:
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
