What is Frailty?
You may have been told you are frail, or at risks of frailty – but what is it?
Frailty is when the body is less able to cope with daily life, illness, or accidents. It increases risks such as falls, hospital admissions, and loss of independence.
Frailty is not caused by just one thing – many factors like how well you eat, how hydrated you are, and your physical and social activity levels all play a part. Frailty is not an inevitable part of ageing, and we can influence it a lot with the choices we make today.
Some studies have shown that Frailty can be reversed. By making small lifestyle changes, maintaining activity, eating well, and staying socially connected, you can stay stronger and healthier for longer.
How we help
We are here to help you achieve your goals – whether that’s getting back on your feet after surgery, feeling more secure about managing household bills, or discovering new interests and friendships in your local community. Everyone’s situation is different, and that’s why our approach is always personal and centred around what matters most to you.
When we visit, we’ll take the time to really get to know you — your health, your lifestyle, and your hopes for the future. From there, we’ll work together to design a Healthy Ageing Plan, a clear and practical guide that’s built entirely around your needs. This plan isn’t a one-size-fits-all checklist; it’s a supportive framework that helps you feel more confident, connected, and in control of your wellbeing.
Your Healthy Ageing Plan will:
Putting You at the Heart of the Conversation
When we visit you at home, one of the first things we’ll do is take time to listen to you. We want to understand what matters most in your life, whether that’s maintaining your independence, staying active, keeping connected with friends and family, or simply feeling more confident day to day. By outlining your personal goals, we can build a clearer picture of what support will make the biggest difference for you.
This is not about ticking boxes — it’s about you sharing your aims, big or small, so we can tailor our support to fit your life. Sometimes, even talking things through can help highlight new priorities or practical changes that could make everyday living easier. Together, we’ll create a plan that focuses on what’s important to you, so that you feel heard, supported, and in control.
Helping You Stay Safe and Steady
As part of your home visit, we’ll gently assess any risks linked to frailty. This might include looking at your mobility, balance, and strength, as well as discussing any recent falls or health concerns. Our aim is not to worry you, but to identify small steps that could help you feel steadier, safer, and more confident at home and when out and about.
We’ll offer practical advice and guidance that can reduce risks and improve your wellbeing. For example, we may suggest simple exercises to build strength, recommend changes to your home to lower fall risks, or connect you with local services that specialise in mobility support. By spotting potential problems early, we can work together to prevent illness or injury, helping you stay healthier and more active for longer.
Connecting You with the Right Support
We know that staying healthy and connected often takes more than just medical support. That’s why part of our role is to connect you with local services that can enhance your wellbeing. These might include NHS resources, social care options, or community opportunities such as exercise classes, social clubs, or interest groups that help keep you active and engaged.
We’ll share information about services in your area that are relevant to your needs and interests. Whether you’d benefit from practical support, medical advice, or simply new ways to meet people, we can point you in the right direction and even help with referrals if needed. Our goal is to ensure you know what’s available locally so you can access the right mix of care, companionship, and community activities to enrich your everyday life.
Discover the Rockwood
Frailty Score
The Rockwood Frailty Score (also called the Clinical Frailty Scale) is a simple yet powerful tool that helps doctors understand how robust or vulnerable someone is. By scoring from 1 to 9, it paints a clear picture of a person’s overall health, independence, and energy levels.
Explore Key Areas of
Healthy Ageing
We’ll work with you to look at all the important aspects of your health and wellbeing, from staying active and eating well to keeping your mind sharp and connected.
But you don’t have to wait! You can take the first steps yourself with our quick and easy self-help resources.