ABSTRACT
Assessment of the frail elderly in acute settings can be seen in two parts: the initial evaluation adopts a rapid method to detect immediately life-threatening pathology; the second step, and the ultimate goal during the admission, is to complete a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Nationally recommended assessments for all older people in acute settings are to ask about any falls or blackouts in the last year, examine gait and balance, and do a brief cognitive screening test. The assessment and recording of alcohol use is often suboptimal, being documented on ED charts in just 9% of cases in one series. Carers provide vital support to maintain the frail elderly within their own homes. The principles of good clinical examination in older people are the same as those in younger adults. Neurological abnormalities are commonly detected in older adults, even those without a known diagnosis of neurological disease.
