Access to health and social care services for housebound people who have a long-term condition
People living with a physical and/or mental illness or injury which completely or partially restricts their ability to leave their home without the support of another person are commonly referred to as ‘housebound’.
Housebound residents are a particularly vulnerable group; there is concern that they may experience deficiencies in care through poorly coordinated or inadequate provision for their complex health and social care needs. They often need support to coordinate necessary care input from their GPs and provider organisations, usually assisted by carers, paid or unpaid, the latter typically being family members.
We received feedback from 48 housebound residents with LTCs, and 26 unpaid carers. Research findings highlight both the positive and the more challenging experiences of residents and their carers. We conducted over 50 interviews and collected 35 in-depth case studies which are summarised in the report.
We have developed practical, cost-effective recommendations to address these issues. Implementing them would lead to improved healthcare access, better patient experiences, and stronger support for carers. These changes would contribute to a more responsive and inclusive healthcare system, ultimately improving the quality of life for housebound residents and their carers.
We received a formal response from the following key stakeholders, and you will find these attached to the back of the report:
- Community Pharmacy South East London (LPC)
- Bromley Healthcare (BHC)
- London Borough of Bromley (LBB)
- South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB)
Cover photo by Cottonbro
