Living with frailty 

Frailty is often, but not exclusively associated with old age, and is described as a vulnerable state of health due to the aging process or other health conditions.

How will I know that someone might be living with frailty?

This could include falls, sudden change in mobility, delirium (being acutely confused), incontinence or a change in continence, experiencing the side effects rather than the benefits of medication.

The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment gives a holistic and comprehensive view of health and wellbeing, leading to the development of a personalised care plan, giving better outcomes for adults living with frailty.

Key principles to support patients living with frailty

• Review health conditions and work in partnership with patients and families to agree goals for care and treatment.
• Refer to other specialists, therapists and community teams.
• Carry out a medication review and use deprescribing if indicated.
• Develop or review anticipatory care plans to outline priorities for future treatment, resuscitation and end of life care plans. 

For further information visit:

rcn.org.uk/clinical-topics/older-people/frailty
bgs.org.uk/hubs/frailty-hub