Elderly ‘live 77 minutes away from relatives’

PENSIONERS live an average of 77 minutes from their nearest close relative, research suggests.

As a result, a third of families struggle to cope when elderly relatives are discharged from hospital.

The Royal Voluntary Service, which conducted the study, said charities often have to fill the gap left by modern family structures.

In some places, a fifth of hospital beds are occupied by patients who cannot leave – so-called ‘bed-blockers’ – because there is not the right community support. But the report found families were far more worried about early discharge, concerned that elderly patients were made to leave hospital before they were ready.

Experts say the increasing social care issues have had a major impact on the NHS. The research – compiled with the King’s Fund health think-tank – found 30 per cent of families could not care for an older relative after they left hospital without extra support.

The study found the average pensioner, in hospital for 15 days, would be visited on seven occasions. But modern families are less able to provide long-term support.

The study of 1,000 people with parents over 75 found 33 per cent said they live too far away to keep up with the daily care of relatives, such as dressing or cooking.

Many said juggling work and childcare added pressure, and 21 per cent said they felt guilty about not being able to do more.

David McCullough, of the Royal Voluntary Service, said: ‘Often at discharge, there is an expectation that family and friends will step in, but in modern- day Britain not everyone has this supportive circle close by.’

Some 19 per cent said they had found premature discharge from hospital a problem, compared with just 3 per cent who said delayed discharges were an issue.