Frailty Assessment in Patients Utilizing a Free Clinic.

PURPOSE: Frailty is most commonly associated with older adults; however, it has also been identified in vulnerable populations, including homeless adults. Patients who seek health care services in a free clinic often report physical exhaustion, difficulty coping with stressors, chronic disease states, environmental limitations, and a lack of social support, which may contribute to a state of frailty. This pilot study (N = 38) was conducted in adults ages 40-64 years who utilized a free clinic to determine if factors suggestive of frailty were present.

METHODS: The Comprehensive Frailty Assessment Instrument (CFAI) was the primary data collection instrument. Anthropometrics and physical performance data were also collected.

RESULTS: Physical indicators of frailty were present in 60% of the sample. Psychological, social, and environmental factors affecting health were identified. Sixty-three percent of the participants scored frail or very frail on the CFAI. A larger study is needed to confirm these findings.