Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

The global proportion of community dwelling people over 65 years of age is on the rise. Aging is associated with various health conditions that result in an increased rate of hospitalization, emergency room visits as well leading to a major cost to the health care system. Research shows that seniors at discharge display varied levels of limitations in carrying out daily activities, cognitive functions and physical performance. It is important to assess these factors in the acute care settings using an accurate measurement tool. The proposed study is designed to create a frailty ladder that will help to detect changes in health of an individual as well as to direct health resources and services. Methodological Approach: Phase 1: This phase is aimed at identifying frailty indicators. These indicators will be obtained from focused group interviews (both elderly people and health professionals) and medical chart reviews. Data from Phase 1 identified various aspect of elderly care such as nutritional status, physical activity, mobility, strength, energy, cognition, mood, and social relations. Phase 2: Following this, the study will recruit two samples of 200 seniors receiving in-orout-patient care at the participating university health center. To be included, participants must be: (i) 70 years of age or older; (ii) community dwelling. The health indicators identified in Phase 1 will be assessed using various questionnaires and physical tests, such as sitting on a floor, maximal jump height etc., in all consenting seniors at two times with a gap of 1month. Phase 3: Once the Acute Frailty Ladder is created, based on data from phase 2, it will be tested on a new sample of 100 patients. At this moment Phase 1 is completed and Phase 2 is ongoing. This measure will create a continuum that will help locate each individual along the continuum and pick specific assessment tests. A frailty ladder will result in shorter assessment time and help select client specific interventions.