Frailty is a complex syndrome involving multiple body systems that predominately affects people aged 65 years and older. Older adults are at higher risk than younger adults of experiencing signs and symptoms of frailty owing to an accumulation of age-related or disease-associated physical, cognitive, mental and social decline. Approximately 13.8% of adults aged 66 years and older in Ontario experience frailty, and the prevalence of frailty is expected to rise with the province’s aging demographic. Women in Ontario account for about 60% of identified cases of frailty, but men with frailty are at greater risk of mortality. Among older adults, those with frailty have higher health service use, including higher rates of physician visits, hospitalization, and emergency department, home care and long-term care use.

Early signs of frailty are often subtle and thus are frequently missed during health care visits – and even when frailty is identified, approaches to care are inconsistent and lack proper integration across health care settings.

This quality standard addresses care for adults aged 18 years and older who have frailty or who are at risk of frailty, with a focus on older adults, aged 65 years and older, and their care partners. It addresses care provided in all health care settings, including acute care, emergency, primary care, regional geriatric, long-term care, palliative care and other home and community care settings, as well as referral to specialized care. Some statements may also apply to care provided in rehabilitation, behavioural support or specialized geriatric settings. 

This quality standard does not address the treatment of comorbidities. However, it can be used alongside existing Ontario Health quality standards to address the needs of people with frailty and comorbidities such as behavioural symptoms of dementia, delirium, dementia or hip fracture, as well as the needs of those requiring palliative care or transitions between hospital and home.

A separate quality standard addressing falls is in development.

Share Your Feedback

We are seeking feedback on a draft quality standard and patient guide for Frailty in Adults. Submissions will be accepted until May 26, 2026.

We welcome feedback from the following people from across Ontario:

• People who have frailty or are at risk for frailty and their families and care partners
• Health care clinicians
• Researchers
• Administrators
• Members of related organizations/associations

A separate quality standard addressing Falls in Adults is in development and open for feedback