Living with Frailty

What is frailty?

Frailty is a health state related to the ageing process and it can make it more difficult to live a full and independent life. Frailty brings a loss of resilience that means people don’t bounce back quickly after a physical or mental illness, an accident or other stressful event. If you have frailty, there are things you can do to manage the situation, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. You may also need help from family and friends or from a professional caregiver.

Health professionals use a tool to assess frailty in adults called the Rockwood Scale and it describes different levels of frailty.

 

The Rockwood Scale

Text reads: Active energetic and motivated Able to exercise regularly May have medical problems but still regularly walk Not completely independent, symptoms limit your activities Slowing down and sometimes need help with daily activities Help with outside activities and may need help with personal care Need support with all day to day activities Completely dependent for personal care Life expectancy under 6 months
Arrow doodle
  1. Active energetic and motivated
  2. Able to exercise regularly
  3. May have medical problems but still regularly walk
  4. Not completely independent, symptoms limit your activities
  5. Slowing down and sometimes need help with daily activities
  6. Help with outside activities and may need help with personal care
  7. Need support with all day to day activities
  8. Completely dependent for personal care
  9. Life expectancy under 6 months

We’re here to help

If you’re living with frailty you can refer yourself to Living Well and we might be able to help with some of the following:

  • Managing fatigue and energy levels: understanding the causes of fatigue and strategies on coping.
  • Keeping active: simple and accessible exercises, suitable for all abilities.
  • Eating well: nutritional advice to take into your daily life.
  • Emotional wellbeing: group support, connecting and sharing your experience with others
  • Planning ahead: thinking about what support looks like for you in the future.
  • Helping you to live well and stay independent for longer: practical advice and help with things like benefits and local support services.

Your loved one or carer is welcome to attend too.

How do I access the Living Well service? 

You can self-refer to St Barnabas House hospice care, which means that you do not need a referral from a healthcare professional.

To make a self-referral, simply complete the online form. It only takes a few minutes! You can also ask someone to complete the form on your behalf.

We'll then be in touch to discuss your needs and how we can help.

Refer yourself to Living Well