Frailty Flashcards
1
Q
how is frailty defined?
A
Distinctive health state which is related to the ageing process in which multiple body systems gradually lose their inbuilt reserves
- Diminished strength, endurance, and reduced physiologic function
- Increases vulnerability for dependency and/ or death
- 10% of those over 65 have frailty, Rises to 50% by 85
2
Q
How is frailty identified?
A
- Looking for signs like unintentional weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, weakness, slow walking speed, low physical activity
- Using the electronic frailty index
- calculation of a frailty score to identify older people with mild, moderate and severe frailty
- Use of PRISMA-7 questionnaire, gait speed etc
- Focus on frailty syndromes - falls, immobility, delirium, incontinence, susceptibility to side effects
3
Q
why is frailty important to identify?
A
- Identifying frailty allows for prevention, progression or potentially reversal of frailty
- Opportunity to suggest improvements into their lives
- Exercise programmes, nutrition review, medication review
4
Q
how can those identified as frail be supported in the community?
A
- MDT care
- comprehensive assessments
- coordinate acre
- home-based care services
- falls prevention
- STOP-START use
- nutrition assessment
- advanced care planning
- respite care etc for carers
5
Q
how can those identified as frail be supported in an inpatient setting?
A
- comprehensive assessments
- MDT
- rehab programmes with physio and PT
- STOPP START
- nutritional assessment
- falls prevention
- manage delirium
- pain assessment
- psychological support
- communicate with family
- initiate discharge planning and aftercare
