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.