An “integrated care center” brings doctors, physiotherapists, social workers and pharmacists under one roof. It won’t solve Britain’s underlying social care crisis — but it could help.
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The lack of easily accessible social care, which encompasses everything from home health aides who help with washing and dressing to full-time residential care, means that falls or treatable health conditions can lead to extended hospital stays. That is piling pressure on the N.H.S., when earlier intervention or home support would have been more appropriate.
But what happened to Ms. Fitzgerald after she was discharged from the hospital is an example of an approach that could transform the way that older adults living with complex health conditions are cared for, experts say.
In the past, she would likely have been sent home with little continuing care aside from her family doctor. Or she might have had to move into full-time residential care, losing her independence.
Instead, she was referred to the Jean Bishop Integrated Care Center in Hull, a facility that opened five years ago as a one-stop shop for frail older people. The first of its kind in Britain, it brings together doctors, physical therapists, social workers and other professionals under one roof. In the course of a few hours, a patient can see a number of clinicians and have diagnostic tests if needed, including X-rays and blood tests, and receive a personalized care plan — all free of charge.