FRAIL Scale: Screening for Frailty in Older Adults

The FRAIL Scale is a quick screening tool designed to identify frailty in older adults. It helps clinicians spot health risks early to improve patient outcomes. This assessment focuses on five specific areas: Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss of weight. The acronym makes it simple for staff to recall the criteria. Patients answer straightforward yes or no questions about feeling tired, climbing stairs, walking blocks, having illnesses, and losing weight. A score of zero means healthy, while one to two suggests pre-frailty, and three or higher indicates frailty. Healthcare providers value this tool because it’s fast and needs no special equipment. It works well during routine clinic visits or even over the phone. By flagging issues early, care teams can create better support plans for seniors. It’s a practical way to monitor health changes and guide interventions.