Supporting your loved one with frailty

Experts are still getting to grips with diagnosing and managing frailty.  Current treatments focus on reducing its risks and minimising its impact. This may include managing and preventing falls, and addressing mobility problems, incontinence, and cognitive issues. Lifestyle interventions might also be appropriate eg a nutrient dense diet, increasing physical activity, and avoiding loneliness and isolation.. Regular medication reviews are crucial to prevent additional risks from polypharmacy. A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals like social workers, geriatricians, psychiatrists, and physiotherapists is often helpful. If you are unsure of the help your loved one needs, contact their GP for surgery.

Yes, exercise can be helpful for those with frailty. Tailored, low-intensity exercises can help improve strength, balance, and mobility. Walking, gentle stretching, and supervised physical therapy are often recommended. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program to ensure it’s safe and tailored towards your loved one’s condition.

Signs that frailty is worsening include suffering falls more often, frequent hospital visits, significant weight loss, daytime sleepiness and more difficulty with daily tasks. These signs can also indicate other underlying health problems that might need treatment. So, if you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s essential to consult with your loved one’s GP to reassess their care plan. They may recommend adjustments in treatment, care strategies, or a reevaluation of their living environment to ensure it is safe and provides adequate support.

There are five indicators of frailty.  Any single one can suggest that the person affected might have frailty although none are diagnostic.  They can be used to help identify frailty,  particularly in older adults who are experiencing:

• Falls (e.g. collapse, legs gave way, ‘found lying on floor’).
• Immobility (e.g. sudden change in mobility, ‘gone off legs’ ‘stuck in bathroom’).
• Delirium (e.g. acute confusion, ’muddledness’, sudden worsening of confusion in someone with previous dementia or known memory loss).
• Incontinence (e.g. change in continence – new onset or worsening of urine or faecal incontinence).
• Susceptibility to side effects of medication (e.g. confusion with codeine, low blood pressure with antidepressants).

If your loved one is experiencing these symptoms please ensure they seek urgent medical advice.