Activity 17.3: Critical thinking
Consider the benefits and risks for the older frail person who is cared for in a specialised frailty unit rather than a general medical ward. Identify up to three benefits and three risks that might occur.
Benefits of frailty units. Your points may have included some of the following:
- Specialist knowledge in the staff group.
- Built environments that support mobility and wayfinding
- Assessments that are timely and appropriate to the person’s need.
- Realistic treatment plans and interventions
- Understanding about the needs of family carers
- Risks of frailty units. Your points may have included some of the following:
- Having units specifically for frail people may lead to stigma by others.
- Older frail people may not wish to be considered frail and may not want to be admitted to a frailty unit.
- Staff may not wish to be employed there, if they believe there is nothing to be done for the person who is frail.
- Fewer resources may be allocated to these units as there is likely to be less expensive technology used in these units.
- Staffing levels may be lower as emergency conditions in hospitals increase.