The Medically Frail Elder
Our family greatly appreciates all that Mature Options has gotten in place and done for both of our parents. What your company does and the care and good will towards both Mom and Dad have made a world of difference for all of us. The dignity both of them have been able to maintain through serious life changes speaks volumes about the way Mature Options delivers its mission. Thank you to everyone involved.
Daughter & primary caregiver
Medical frailty is a term used to describe the physical “falling off” that takes place in old age, often as a result of chronic illness. Signs of medical frailty include a “gaunt” look, weight loss of at least ten (10) pounds or 5% of body weight in a year, a general slowing of mobility, difficulty walking and a loss of strength resulting in a feeling of chronic weakness or exhaustion. Elders with three or more of these conditions are considered “frail” and are at higher risk for falls, disability, inability to complete activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing, ambulating, eating or toileting), increased hospitalizations and death.
Meet Mr. Brown
The Situation
Mr. Brown lives alone. His only son lives out of town and is worried about his Dad. He can’t put his finger on it, but he knows he is slipping. His appetite has diminished and weight loss is increasingly apparent. Last night he called him at 10PM. He had fallen. He said he was fine, but he could hear the anxiety in his voice.
The Solution
Mature Options completed a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Findings showed that Mr. Brown needed immediate help with a number of tasks, including meal preparation, medications, and transportation. Mr. Brown indicated a willingness to move closer to his son. Mature Options provided staffing services for 4 weeks while moving plans were completed.
