What Is Frailty? Early Signs and How Families Can Help
What frailty means in older people
Frailty means different things to different people, but it’s generally accepted that as we age, we will become more susceptible to frailty. According to Age UK, “As people age their health needs change, but there are practical steps people can take at any age to improve their health and reduce their risk at frailty.”
Helping Hands have been supporting people to continue living independently at home since 1989. We care for people who live with various frailties so that they can remain in charge of their own routine. This ensures that, no matter how complex their condition, they can continue to live in the place that means so much to them.
Early signs of frailty to look out for
People who have regular contact with the person needing support are the most likely to spot changes. They should encourage the person to seek medical help if it is serious enough, or to investigate home solutions such as mobility help equipment.
Unintended weight loss
“Unintentional weight loss can have many different causes” says the NHS, “It can be a sign of stress or a serious illness.” If you are losing weight without changing your diet or exercising, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a GP, just in case.
Tiredness and low energy
Many people have less energy as they age. This can be due to health conditions, medications, or lifestyle changes. Struggling to sleep at night can also leave someone with little energy during the day but trying to keep active is key, even when you feel you don’t want to.
Weaker grip and slower walking
Older adults may experience a weaker grip and slower walking which can be attributed to muscle weakness, balance issues, painful joints and a fear of falling. Some people may be reluctant to attempt mobilising at all without help.
More frequent falls or illness
It’s important to try and prevent falls if you’re at risk of them. This can include eating well and staying hydrated, remaining active for as long as possible, using a walking aid, and getting safety rails fitted where necessary in your home.
What causes frailty?
There are many causes of frailty, but some are more common than others. Sometimes, older people will neglect their own wellbeing, especially if they’ve lost a partner, or may ignore symptoms that suggest they need more help. Common reasons for frailty include natural loss of muscle mass as we age and the cognitive decline that can result from ageing. According to Age UK, “Frailty is generally characterised by issues like reduced muscle strength and fatigue. Around 10% of people aged over 65 live with frailty. This figure rises to between 25% and a 50% for those aged over 85.” Someone being frail doesn’t mean they lack capacity or can’t live independently, it just means they may need some additional support and may take a little longer to recover from health issues.
Can frailty be improved or reversed?
According to the British Geriatrics Society, (BGS) “a combination of simple strength exercises and dietary changes can help reverse frailty and build physical resilience in over-65-year-olds.” Most people imagine that frailty is irreversible and something that just has to be lived with, but simple home-based interventions and activities can make a real difference. The BGS worked with University College Dublin to conduct a study of more than a hundred older people who undertook twenty minutes of daily activity at home, including exercises to strengthen arms and legs and improve balance and coordination. The study showed results “including reversal of frailty, better grip strength, increased bone mass, and improved activity levels.”
How families can help a frail parent
Families are often the first people to notice an obvious change in their loved ones. Therefore, they’re best placed to seek help for them if they need changes at home.
Supporting good nutrition
Family members may notice that a loved one isn’t eating or are surviving on less nutritious foods. Preparing meals for them in advance or arranging for a meal delivery service that will deliver boxes of ready-prepared meals may be the answer.
Encouraging gentle movement
Encouraging a loved one to remain active is as easy as helping them out of their chair. Joint pain may make the act of getting up off-putting, but making activity fun, such as dancing to favourite music, may make the idea of activity more appealing.
Staying socially connected
Older people can quickly become socially isolated, especially if they live alone and family are widely spread. Showing them how to use technology to keep in touch with family and friends or accompanying them to activities will be beneficial.
When to speak to a GP
If a family member notices something different in their loved one’s demeanour, ability, or behaviour, then they should chat to them and see if they are managing their daily routine. If changes are small then they may just need a little extra help with their housework, meal preparation or personal care for example. However, if family members have any concerns a medical opinion should be sought. This can include if changes are severe, have come on quickly, follow a fall, or are accompanied by other symptoms. If in doubt, family members should encourage the person to visit a GP to rule out anything more serious or call 111 for advice. A care needs assessment can also be requested free of charge from their local authority if they’re worried about potential care costs.
How Helping Hands supports someone living with frailty
Helping Hands have been supporting people to live as independently as possible in their own home for 37 years. We provide both visiting and live-in care, built around our customers’ needs, that ensures they get to live comfortably in the place they love. Most people assume that when they can no longer manage at home they’ll have to move into residential care but that’s not the case; we build a plan of care that keeps them safely at home, and able to enjoy their local community. Knowing there’s a carer with their loved one also means reassurance for family members, as does the fact that we’re fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales.
