Frail Older People
Why understanding frailty is important
Frailty is related to the ageing process, that is, simply getting older. It describes people’s bodies gradually lose their in-built reserves, leaving them vulnerable to dramatic, sudden changes in health triggered by seemingly small events, such as a minor infection or a change in medication or environment. In medicine, frailty defines the group of older people who are at highest risk of adverse outcomes such as falls, disability, admission to hospital, or the need for long-term care.1 This section will build into an analysis of frailty and the associated services and support.
Coming next
Detailed analysis of the issues relating to frailty and its effects on individuals, the people who care for them and the services that support them.
- Frailty, including the frailty framework
- Adult social care, including safeguarding
- Carers
- End of life care
References
Young, J, (2013). Frailty – what it means and how to keep well over the winter months. Retrieved from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/blog/frailty/