Supporting Older People Before They Reach Crisis Point

A new report from the Public Accounts Committee has raised concerns that increasing pressures on GP services are making it harder for older people living with frailty to get the support they need. The findings highlight the importance of early intervention, community-based support and helping people access services before their health deteriorates.

Growing Pressures on GP Services

The report found that NHS England's focus on improving access to GP appointments, including digital access, has added to the pressures already facing primary care services. As a result, many older people are not receiving the preventative support that GPs are expected to provide.

According to the Committee's findings:

• Only 17% of patients aged 65 and over were assessed for frailty during 2024/25.
• Of the 226,000 people diagnosed with severe frailty, just 16% received a medication review.
• Only 18% received an assessment to identify their risk of falls.

The Committee warns that while improving access to GP services is important, it should not come at the expense of support for older people who may be at risk of declining health, falls or loss of independence.

Why Early Support Matters

Frailty is not an inevitable part of ageing. With the right support, many people can continue to live independently, maintain their wellbeing and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

However, identifying issues early is crucial. A missed medication review, an undetected falls risk or a lack of support at home can quickly lead to a health crisis that may have been preventable.

This is particularly important in rural communities, where access to services can be more challenging and where many older residents live alone or have limited transport options.

The Role of Community-Based Support

While the NHS faces increasing demand, community organisations have an important role to play in helping people stay well for longer.

Community Action Norfolk is working alongside partners to deliver the Proactive Intervention Programme, which is commissioned by Norfolk County Council. The programme supports older people and those at risk of declining health to identify concerns early and connect with practical support before problems escalate.

The programme helps people access local services, build social connections, improve their wellbeing and maintain their independence. By taking a preventative approach, it can reduce loneliness, improve confidence and help people find solutions to everyday challenges that may otherwise impact their health.

Preventing Problems Before They Become Crises

The findings from the Public Accounts Committee reinforce something that community organisations have long understood: early intervention works.

Supporting people before they reach crisis point is better for individuals, families and public services alike. It helps people remain independent for longer, improves quality of life and reduces pressure on already stretched health and care services.

As demand on the NHS continues to grow, initiatives such as Community Action Norfolk's Proactive Intervention Programme demonstrate the value of working alongside local communities to provide practical, preventative support where it is needed most.

References:

Public Accounts Committee News Release
"Overloaded GPs' capacity to support older people reduced by NHS digital access push"

Public Accounts Committee Report
Support for Older People Living with Frailty

Statistics relating to frailty assessments, medication reviews and falls assessments are taken from the Public Accounts Committee's findings published in June 2026.