Frailty
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Frailty

Frailty is common in older people living in aged care and affects strength, energy, and resilience. It can increase the risk of falls, hospitalisation, and loss of independence. Early and regular assessment, including checks on nutrition and physical activity, can help identify frailty and support better care planning. A team-based approach that includes GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, and care workers can help improve outcomes.


What I can do

Look out for signs that a resident may be frail. These include:

  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Self-reported exhaustion or weakness and low physical activity
  • Slow walking speed.

If you suspect frailty, you can:


What I can learn

The palliAGED Practice Tips give helpful guidance on caring for older people with frailty. There is a version for nurses as well as one for careworkers.

The Using the SPICT Tool section in the Companian manual to palliAGED Introduction Modules and Tip Sheets (1.16MB pdf) offers guidance on identifying residents with frailty who may benefit from palliative care planning.

The Assessing frailty in older adults course from EMS Education & Training explores screening and management strategies.


What I can give

Families and carers often want to know more about frailty and how they can help. These resources may be useful:


What can I suggest

Raise awareness within your care team that frailty is common in aged care and can lead to increased care needs and hospitalisations. Advocate for routine frailty assessments as part of care planning.

Encourage your service to develop a network of healthcare professionals, including GPs, allied health professionals, and geriatricians, to provide frailty-sensitive care.

Recommend offering education sessions for staff on optimising a resident’s quality of life, independence, and function after a frailty diagnosis. This aligns with Outcome 5.5 Clinical Safety under the Aged Care Quality Standards.


Page updated 21 February 2025