Frailty Help and Support
What is frailty?
Frailty is a health condition that can affect some people as they get older. It is linked to a reduced ability to recover after illness, injury or other health problems.
Being frail does not mean that someone cannot live independently. However, a person living with frailty may be more vulnerable to changes in their health and may take longer to recover when they become unwell.
Frailty can affect people in different ways and may develop gradually over time.
Could you or someone you care for be at risk?
Frailty becomes more common as people get older. Age UK estimates that around 10% of people aged over 65 are living with frailty, increasing to between 25% and 50% of people aged over 85.
Signs that may be associated with frailty include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- General weakness or loss of strength
- Feeling unusually tired or exhausted
- Walking more slowly
- Poor balance or an increased risk of falls
- Becoming less active
- Problems with memory or thinking
People living with frailty may have a greater risk of falls, fractures, hospital admission and loss of independence.
A simple frailty risk check
If you are worried about yourself or someone you care for, the following questions may help you identify whether further support could be needed.
Answer yes or no to each question:
- Are you aged over 85?
- Are you male?
- Do health problems regularly limit your usual activities?
- Do you need someone to help you on a regular basis?
- Do health problems mean you often need to stay at home?
- If you need help, is there someone close to you who you can rely on?
- Do you regularly use a walking stick, walker or wheelchair to get around?
If you answer yes to three or more questions, you may be at an increased risk of frailty. Please contact your GP practice to discuss whether further assessment or support may be helpful.
Preventing and managing frailty
There are steps that can help people maintain their strength, independence and overall wellbeing.
These can include:
- Staying as physically active as possible
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Drinking enough fluids
- Reducing the risk of falls
- Staying socially connected
- Managing long-term health conditions
If you are worried about changes in your health or ability to manage everyday activities, speak to your GP practice or healthcare professional.
Nutrition and malnutrition
Why nutrition is important
Unintentional weight loss can be one of the signs associated with frailty. Older people may also be at risk of malnutrition, which can lead to reduced strength, slower recovery and a greater loss of independence.
Malnutrition does not always mean that someone looks underweight. A person can become malnourished if they are not getting enough energy or nutrients from food and drink.
Reasons someone may not be eating enough include:
- Not feeling hungry or thirsty
- Problems chewing or swallowing
- Problems with teeth or dentures
- Difficulty preparing meals
- Difficulty shopping or getting out
- Health conditions that affect appetite
- Memory problems
- Restricted diets
- Financial difficulties
- Bereavement or the loss of a partner
- Social isolation
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care for, you can complete the Patients Association Nutrition Checklist. It can help identify whether additional support or advice may be needed.
Download the Nutrition Checklist
If you have concerns, take the completed checklist to your GP practice, practice nurse or healthcare professional.
Further information and support
Age UK Wirral
Age UK Wirral provides information, advice and support for older people across Wirral.
Their services can help older people and their families with a range of issues, including staying independent, accessing support and finding advice about later life.
Useful information
The following resources provide further information about frailty and nutrition:
Need further support?
If you are worried that you or someone you care for may be living with frailty, please speak to your GP practice or healthcare professional.
You may also be referred to our Ageing Well / Living Better Team, who can provide personalised support for older people living with frailty or complex health needs.
