Frailty

Frailty is most common in older adults, but is most affected by your health condition, not your age. People who are frail tend to experience health problems more often. They also tend to be more prone to falls, are more likely to be admitted to the hospital, and more likely to need long-term care.

How To Identify Frailty

• Frailty may have early “warning” signs. 
• Having one or two of these signs doesn’t mean that a person is or will become frail, but may suggest that he/she is at higher risk of potentially developing frailty. 

Some of the “warning signs” caregivers, family, friends and older adults themselves, can watch for are:

• Undesired weight changes 
• Dehydration
• Lower physical activity levels and endurance
• Difficulty managing day to day activities at home
• Problems with balance
• Increased number and frequency of falls, first fall or increased fear of falling
• Taking many medications
• Problems with vision or hearing
• Increased alcohol use
• Trouble with continence
• Signs of urinary infection
• Irregular patterns of sleep
• Social isolation
• Depression
• Confusion
• Memory loss

If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may be frail, or at risk of developing frailty, speak to your healthcare professional.

For more information about frailty please click here.