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Measuring Frailty in HIV-infected Individuals. Identification of Frail Patients is the First Step to Amelioration and Reversal of Frailty
Published on: July 24, 2013
Frailty: an indication for palliative care.
Barbara M Raudonis1, Kathryn Daniel
1College of Nursing, Universityof Texas, Arlington, TX, USA.
Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.)
|October 21, 2010
Summary
Chronological age does not solely determine an older adult's frailty. Palliative care, delivered by an interdisciplinary team, can significantly improve the quality of life for frail older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Palliative Care
- Geriatric Nursing
Background:
- Chronological age is an insufficient predictor of an older adult's vulnerability or frailty.
- Frailty significantly impacts the quality of life for older adults.
- Palliative care principles are applicable across various illness trajectories for comprehensive, person-centered care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a conceptual overview of frailty in older adults.
- To describe the clinical presentation and management of frailty.
- To highlight the role of palliative care as an intervention for improving quality of life in frail older adults.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual overview and literature review on frailty.
- Description of clinical presentation and treatment options for frailty.
- Exploration of palliative care as an intervention strategy.
Main Results:
- Frailty is a distinct condition impacting older adults' quality of life.
- Frail older adults can benefit from interdisciplinary palliative care.
- Palliative care principles support a person-centered approach throughout the illness trajectory.
Conclusions:
- Frailty requires comprehensive assessment beyond chronological age.
- Gerontological nurses can utilize palliative care to enhance the quality of life for frail older adults.
- Implementing palliative care principles is crucial for managing frailty across the continuum of care.
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