Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) is developing a new ageing well strategy to improve care, reduce inequalities, and ensure that people living with frailty receive the right support at the right time.
During July and August 2025, the BSW ICB Engagement team carried out a programme of engagement with patient groups and the public to gather views on frailty and to ensure the voice of those with lived experience was included in BSW Integrated Care Board’s Frailty Strategy.
The full engagement report, which is an appendix to out Ageing Well strategy can be read here:
Methodology
Engagement was carried out via an online survey which was promoted via BSW social media channels and newsletters and through dissemination via ICB partner comms channels, parish council websites, newsletters and social media channels and through supportive VCSE organisations.
- Online survey
Our online survey was completed between 14 July and 27 August. The survey generated 45 responses. 62 per cent completed the survey themselves, 30 per cent on behalf of a family members or friends and 8 per cent for someone they care for
Face to face sessions
In addition to the online surveys, four face to face engagement sessions were held with patient and VCSE groups across BSW involving a total of 42 participants. Sessions took place with the kind support and valued involvement of Eldene Surgery Patient Participation Group (PPG), Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association, Carers Together Wiltshire Carers Café and Silver Salisbury. Thank you to all of our participants.
What we heard
As part of ageing, frailty is a condition that affects many aspects of life — from physical health and emotional wellbeing to independence and access to care. During our engagement we heard from people across our region who’ve shared powerful insights into what experiencing frailty means to them, how it impacts daily life, and what support they need.
Some described frailty as:
- “Tiredness, restrictions and sadness.”
- “Difficulty with balance and getting around.”
- “Feeling overlooked until something goes wrong.”
Others highlighted issues including:
- “I wish my tiredness and fatigue had been taken seriously and investigated earlier. It was only after I had two falls and ended up in A&E that I was referred to the falls clinic and further tests were done. Early attention might have helped avoid that crisis altogether. Especially for people from the Caribbean.”
- “Finding the right person to help with housework would make a big difference — especially when fatigue and tiredness set in due to medication, like blood pressure tablets, which slow you down.”
- “In terms of end of life - I’d feel reassured knowing my wishes are clearly written down, communicated to those who matter, and treated with sensitivity.”
These voices are helping us to shape a strategy that reflects real experiences and leads to better outcomes for everyone.
Further updates on our strategy will be published here, check back for more details.