The proportion of older people in the UK is increasing in relation to the population
as a whole. This trend is reflected in the age profile of patients in hospital
and those requiring continuing care in the community – domicilary, residential
and nursing home sector. The HAS Report identified that more than 40%
of patients over 65 with disability will require admission to an acute hospital over
a two-year period. Ensuring appropriate, equitable and quality care for this age
group is therefore a priority.