The impact of brexit on elderly healthcare in the UK: What seniors and families need to know

1. Changes to healthcare services for the elderly

The UK's healthcare system, the NHS, remains a cornerstone of elderly healthcare post-Brexit, but there have been notable changes in how services are delivered, particularly in relation to staffing and access to treatments.

Impact on NHS staffing

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One of the biggest concerns has been the effect of Brexit on NHS staffing. Before Brexit, the NHS relied heavily on healthcare professionals from the EU, particularly in areas such as nursing and elderly care. However, post-Brexit immigration restrictions have led to a shortage of staff, as fewer healthcare workers from the EU are able to work in the UK without complex visa requirements.

This shortage could affect waiting times for elderly patients and reduce the availability of specialized care services for conditions such as dementia or arthritis. Families may need to seek private healthcare options for faster access to care, though this comes at a cost.

Access to medications and treatments

Brexit has also disrupted the supply chain for certain medications and medical equipment, which could have a knock-on effect on the elderly population who often rely on regular prescriptions. While the government has taken steps to ensure that critical medications remain available, seniors and their families should stay informed about potential delays or shortages in the future.

What families can do:

- Keep regular communication with healthcare providers about any changes in medication availability.
- Explore private healthcare or insurance options for faster access to treatments if necessary.

2. Pension entitlements and financial impacts for seniors

For many seniors, pension entitlements are a key concern post-Brexit, particularly for those who have retired abroad or plan to do so. Here’s how Brexit has affected pension payments and financial security for the elderly:

State pensions for UK expats in the EU

Before Brexit, UK pensioners living in EU countries benefited from certain agreements that ensured their state pensions increased in line with inflation, wages, or prices in the UK. However, the future of these annual pension increases depends on ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU.

For now, UK expats in the EU will continue to receive their state pension, but there is uncertainty about whether these annual increases will continue in the long term. For elderly individuals planning to retire abroad, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with any changes to pension agreements.

Healthcare for pensioners abroad

For seniors who have retired in an EU country, Brexit has also affected their access to healthcare services. Under the previous EU system, UK pensioners living in the EU could access local healthcare services at the same cost as local citizens, thanks to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Post-Brexit, the UK has introduced the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaces the EHIC. This card provides access to necessary healthcare in EU countries, but it does not cover everything, and some restrictions may apply. Pensioners living abroad may need to consider private health insurance to cover any gaps in their healthcare needs.

What families can do:

- If you or your loved one is a UK pensioner living abroad, consider private insurance to cover healthcare costs not included under the GHIC.
- Stay informed about any future changes to pension increases and entitlements for UK expats in the EU.

3. Cross-border healthcare options: A changing landscape

Before Brexit, UK citizens could receive healthcare in EU countries relatively easily through the EHIC system, which allowed access to necessary treatments while traveling or living in the EU. However, the situation has changed post-Brexit.

Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

The new GHIC allows UK citizens to receive state-provided healthcare in EU countries on the same basis as residents of that country. However, it’s important to note that the GHIC only covers emergency or necessary treatments, not planned treatments like surgeries or routine check-ups.

For elderly individuals who regularly travel to the EU or have family members in the EU, this change may limit their access to healthcare. For instance, they may not be able to access certain specialized treatments abroad that were previously available under the EHIC system.

Healthcare tourism post-brexit

Many seniors previously traveled to EU countries for cheaper or faster healthcare treatments, a practice known as healthcare tourism. Brexit has made this more complicated, as the GHIC does not cover planned treatments. Seniors may now need to explore private healthcare providers if they wish to receive treatment abroad, and this comes with significant additional costs.

What families can do:

- Plan ahead if you or your elderly loved one travels regularly to EU countries and may need medical treatment during these trips.
- Consider private health insurance or international health plans to cover the cost of treatment abroad.

4. Access to long-term care and care home options

Brexit’s impact extends beyond healthcare to long-term care options, especially for elderly individuals who may need care homes or assisted living facilities. Many UK care homes employed staff from the EU, and the end of free movement has resulted in challenges in recruiting enough caregivers.

Impact on care home staffing

Care homes have already been facing staff shortages due to Brexit, and this has led to concerns about the quality of care for elderly residents. Families may need to carefully assess care home options to ensure their loved ones receive adequate care despite these staffing challenges.

Cost of care

The cost of elderly care could also increase as care homes face higher recruitment and operational costs. Seniors and their families should be prepared for potential increases in care home fees and may need to explore financial support options to cover these costs.

What families can do:

- Research care home options carefully and speak with management about how they are managing staffing shortages.
- Stay informed about government support schemes to help with the cost of elderly care.

While Brexit has brought about uncertainty and challenges for elderly healthcare, there are still ways to navigate these changes effectively. Seniors and their families should stay proactive by staying informed about changes to healthcare services, pension entitlements, and cross-border healthcare options. By planning ahead and exploring private insurance or alternative healthcare options, it’s possible to ensure that elderly loved ones receive the care they need in a post-Brexit world.

For assistance in finding a care home or facility best suited to your needs, contact Senior Home Plus at 0230 608 0055 or fill out our online form.

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