Experiences of Frailty and Ageing Well in West Essex

Healthwatch Essex were approached by the Hertfordshire and West Essex NHS Integrated Care Board (HWE ICB) to undertake in depth engagement was the healthcare experiences of residents living with frailty in west Essex.  They undertook interviews with affected people and professionals and attended three public events, reaching a total of 202 people.

This report highlights critical findings in relation to experiences of frailty, ageing, and age-related conditions in the west Essex area, providing further insights and understandings of some of the challenges faced by the community and potential opportunities for improving healthcare for residents aged 65 years old and over.

The experiences shared throughout this report reveal both the strengths and the shortcomings of current health and care services for older residents in west Essex. While many individuals value the dedication and compassion of frontline staff, they too often face fragmented systems, barriers to access, poor communication, and a lack of joined-up support. 

For those living with frailty, long-term conditions, or dementia, these gaps can have profound consequences, leading to avoidable deterioration, unnecessary admissions, social isolation, and strain on carers. 

The recommendations outlined in this chapter provide a clear, practical roadmap for change. They emphasise the importance of accessible, patient-centred primary care, safe and well coordinated hospital services, high-quality care closer to home, stronger support for carers, dementia and age-aware healthcare environments, and building age-friendly communities that reduce isolation and promote wellbeing. Above all, they highlight the need to place older people and their families at the centre of decision-making, respecting their voices, preferences, and dignity. 

By acting on these recommendations, local health and care services in west Essex have the opportunity to build a more compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable system. A system that not only meets medical needs, but also supports independence, connection, and quality of life. In doing so, services can ensure that residents with experiences of frailty and ageing in west Essex are not just cared for, but are supported to live well, with confidence and respect, at every stage of later life.