Physio Soton helping frail people

We provide physiotherapy and rehabilitation to patients who struggle with activities of daily living.

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Oftentimes it is the patients who have just been discharged from the hospital or have been affected by an illness and find it difficult to do things independently in their life. Very often we help frail people.

But what is frailty and how it can be assessed?

What is frailty? 

It is a multi-faceted, complex clinical syndrome that reduces an individual’s resilience, leaving them at an increased risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes or even death. 

There is ongoing debate regarding what factors should be taken into consideration when assessing it.  

We know that the more someone is frail the more help they require; they may struggle with being independent and may need assistance with even simple daily tasks. Help is often provided by carers and family members.  

Frail and getting older? 

It is important to remember that frailty is not synonymous with getting older. There are very active, fit 80-year-olds and there are 60-year-olds that have frailty, either due to permanent or temporary conditions or circumstances. However, the risk of being frail does increase with age. 

Outward signs 

Frailty affects multiple body systems such as musculoskeletal, neurological, and immune system. Therefore, a frail person will often have decreased mobility, weight loss, decreased muscle strength, decreased energy levels, and/or decreased activity. 

Assessment 

Frailty can be assessed by using the 9-point, Rockwood scale.