OAPs will get health MOTs when they go to A&E under NHS plans to keep them out of hospital.
Medics will give over-65s a quick once-over as well as treating their immediate problem.
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A look at their blood pressure, heart, lungs and mobility, plus a quiz about their diet and history of falls, could pick up other long-term issues.
Health chiefs reckon the drive will prevent thousands of people from having to spend the night in hospital.
A fifth of over-75s are classed as frail and they tend to need more medical help and longer ward stays.
People are struggling to see their GP quickly so A&E is an important face-to-face contact
Caroline Abrahams
High-risk visitors will be urged to do simple exercises to prevent falls and get treatment for illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes.
NHS England chief, Amanda Pritchard, will tell a health conference in Manchester today: “Health MOTs at the front door of A&E could be a lifeline for many older people.
“While some people do need to be admitted to hospital, it isn’t always the best place for older patients and they can rapidly lose mobility while in a bed.
“It is vital that we continue to adapt our services and these checks mean patients can be assessed quickly and directed to the right support for their needs.”
A&E visits more frequent with age
Millions of older people end up in casualty every year and they make up an increasing proportion of A&E visits and long waits.
The risk of an emergency visit rises with age, with more than four in 10 people in their 90s going to A&E at least once a year.
NHS England has told hospitals to check elderly patients at the door seven days a week, to address long-term problems as well as emergencies.
Conditions can often be treated elsewhere or be prevented with better general healthcare.
Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK, said: “It makes a lot of sense to offer older people a wider range of health checks if they go to A&E with a specific problem, so we welcome this new plan.
“We know that many are finding it difficult to see their GP as quickly as they’d like, so a visit to A&E is an important face-to-face contact.
“The health check could make a huge difference to some older people, helping to pick up illnesses and diseases at an early stage when the chances of successful treatment are at their highest.”
Tips to age well
There are a number of habits you can take up to care for your health and wellbeing as you age.
Age UK shared the following tips:
- Do things that you enjoy everyday – whether that’s cooking, seeing friends or enjoying a good book
- Stay hydrated – drink six to eight cups of water a day
- Eat plenty of fruit and veggies to lower your risk of heart disease and certain cancers, have beans, pulses, fish, eggs and meat to repair your body after injury, starchy carbs for energy dairy to help keep bones strong
- Manage long-term health conditions to prevent them progressing or having a greater impact on your health
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake to no more than 14 units a week
- Make mental health a priority and get treatment for it, as it can also impact physical health
- Make sure you’re getting quality sleep
- Keep socialising – and call a friend or loved one if you can’t make it out the house
- Be physically active to lower the risk of depression and dementia, heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s and some cancers
