Older people represent the single largest spend across primary, secondary, community and social care.

Currently more than 4.8 million people in Great Britain are over 75 years old and latest projections show that by 2030, this figure will have increased by over 3 million – it is likely that as the number of older people increase, so will the demands on providing long-term care. 

The increase in the number of people in Britain living longer is something to be celebrated; but to ensure older people enjoy the good quality of life they deserve, it is essential that their care needs are addressed, and that commissioners and care providers work together seamlessly to get this right.

This is particularly important when older people return home from a stay in hospital, when many are at their most vulnerable and when the gaps in the system become more apparent.