The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) has launched a two-part guidance on the recognition and management of older patients with frailty in community and outpatient settings. Called ‘Fit for Frailty’, it has been produced in association with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and Age UK, and aims to be an invaluable tool for social workers, ambulance crews, carers, GPs, nurses and others working with older people in the community. The guidance will help them to recognize the condition of frailty and to increase understanding of the strategies available for managing it.
In the guidelines, the BGS calls for all those working with older people to be aware of, and assess for frailty. It dispels the myth that all older people are frail and that frailty is an inevitable part of age. It also highlights the fact that frailty is not static. Like other long-term conditions it can fluctuate in severity.
Part 1 addresses the recognition and management of older people living with frailty and has been produced in association with Age UK and the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Part 2 follows provides advice and guidance on the development, commissioning and management of services for people living with frailty in community settings. Is is aimed at GPs, geriatricians, Health Service managers, Social Service managers and Commissioners of Services.
Source: British Geriatrics Society