Guest article: Ageing in Frome Vale

Ageing in Frome Vale: Gaps, Challenges, and the Promise of Inclusive Technology

By Iqbal Tamimi

According to Age UK Bristol, as reported in Fishponds Voice, Frome Vale has one of the highest concentrations of older residents in the city—many of whom live alone, experience isolation, or manage long-term health conditions. This makes it a vital area for understanding the needs of older and disabled people, and for exploring how technology might support greater independence and well-being.

Originally developed by Bristol City Council, much of the housing in Frome Vale was designed for older individuals with serious health issues. Proximity to the former Frenchay Hospital, once the second-largest in the city, offered crucial access to care. However, since its closure in 2014, residents must now travel to Southmead Hospital—posing significant mobility and transport challenges, especially for those with limited mobility or fatigue-related conditions.

Public transport in the area is sparse and often prioritises the needs of students from the nearby UWE campus. During university breaks and holidays, services are reduced, making it harder for older residents to access medical and dental services in Fishponds. Sudden changes in bus schedules also result in missed appointments, causing frustration and, in some cases, misjudgement by NHS staff about patients’ commitment to attending.

Digital exclusion adds another layer of difficulty. Very few older residents use smartphones or apps confidently. Those who do often face problems with online shopping—receiving ill-fitting or poor-quality items they can’t easily return, due to mobility issues to reach the post office or return points.

Formerly designated sheltered housing offered a 24-hour on-call support service, but this is now available only to a few original tenants, most of whom are over 90. Support services for everyday tasks—like changing light bulbs, putting up curtains, or installing shelves—have been significantly reduced. In one instance, a resident went over six months without light in her bathroom due to her inability to change a ceiling bulb and delays in council response.

Another major loss is the once-free bulky waste collection service offered by Bristol City Council. It now carries substantial fees (ranging from £25 to £50 depending on the item and quantity), and strict requirements around item preparation. For residents with limited mobility or fixed incomes, this makes replacing essential items—like orthopaedic beds or mattresses—almost impossible. In some cases, old furniture is stored in back yards, increasing the risk of rodent infestations.

These challenges and others such as badly designed kitchens, have real health implications. A neglected environment or the inability to carry out basic tasks can lead to injury, illness, or even social withdrawal. Reinstating free or subsidised services, particularly for waste disposal of large items, would make a meaningful difference.

Supportive technologies could help prevent hospitalisation and prolong independent living, which is far more cost-effective than care home placement. According to Autumna (2024), average weekly fees for care homes in the UK range from £1,000–£1,200 for residential care, and up to £1,500 for nursing care in the south. Home support options are both more affordable and often preferred by residents.

There are currently:

• 10,398 care homes
• 12,037 home care services
• 1,017 live-in care services
• 1,864 retirement living developments in the UK (Autumna Directory, 2024).

Personal stories highlight major gaps in service coordination. One woman in her 90s, was discharged from hospital after hip surgery, even though her bungalow had been flooded while she was away. No support was arranged, and she was sent home simply because "the bed was needed." In another case, a woman with declining muscle strength nearly drowned in her bathtub multiple times, as she could no longer lift herself out and had no assistance.

Others I spoke to reported concentration and memory issues stemming from a variety of causes—depression, suspected early-stage dementia, medication side effects, or nutritional deficiencies. They were advised to engage in hobbies like Sudoku, crosswords, simple crafts, and socialising activities. Many of such activities are accessible through mobile apps. For those without smartphones, or those confused by unclear instructions or hidden fees, access remains out of reach. While social activities in Frome Vale are notably limited compared to areas like Easton or South Bristol. Those with conditions like ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) often remain housebound. One woman said the most helpful technology for her would be a doorbell camera connected to her phone, so she could avoid unwanted visitors. Despite a sign on her door, she continues to be disturbed by campaigners or uninvited callers, depleting the little energy she has.

At the Bristol Royal Infirmary Sleep Studies Unit, I explored the role of technology in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)—a serious condition affecting millions globally. Patients are provided CPAP machines, which can be monitored remotely, thanks to built-in chips that send data back to the hospital. However, these machines are bulky, electricity-dependent, and difficult to travel with—factors that still limit their usability.

When I asked older residents what technologies they would find most useful, they mentioned:

• Cordless vacuum cleaners
• Dishwashers
• Food processors
• Smart controls for lighting and heating
• Fewer extension cords, which are trip hazards and dust magnets

Many also expressed the desire for more in-home services. One man mentioned that every hospital visit results in a prolonged respiratory infection due to his compromised immune system. He saw promise in telemedicine, which could reduce in-person exposure while still delivering quality care.

Some residents already use weather and pollen apps to plan outings and manage respiratory symptoms. However, one growing need that’s often overlooked is air conditioning. Homes are built with cold winters in mind, but not for today’s hotter summers. While winter financial help for fuel payments exists, there's no equivalent for cooling support in the summer—despite the evident rising temperatures and the risks heat poses to the elderly.

Conclusion

Frome Vale’s older residents face a mix of physical, social, and digital barriers that affect their independence and wellbeing. While technology holds promise, it must be accessible, affordable, and tailored to real needs—not just tech-savvy ones. Restoring essential services, improving transport, and designing smarter, safer homes will help older people live longer, healthier lives in their communities—where most of them want to stay.