What do we do?
The number of older people is continuing to rise in Northern Ireland, for instance bulletins from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) outline that the current population of older people aged 85+ accounts for 2% of Northern Irelands’ population and this number is on track to double in the next 23 years. With this in mind, careful consideration therefore needs to be given around the services and support needed to help older people age well. For this reason the Northern Ireland Frailty Network was developed.
The Frailty Network’s priorities cover four main areas:
- The indirect impact of COVID-19, particularly on accelerated ageing and the progression of frailty.
- Frailty should be identified upon the first contact with older adults.
- The management of frailty. Health and social care services should offer clear and appropriate assessment processes and pathways for older adults living with frailty.
- One of the most important priorities from our point of view is the education of our workforce.
Our Logo
Alongside a graphic designer, Age NI and Public Health Agency Staff met with volunteer members of the Age NI Consultative Forum to design a logo for the network.
It needed to represent a structured yet flexible and responsive network, with a key focus on supporting those affected by frailty. In discussing these ideals, the symbol of the feather was chosen because of its duality of character, they are a symbol of delicacy, strength and resilience. Alone they are weak, yet when a collective of feathers form into the organised structure of the wing, we witness flight and strength. The colouring within the logo represents everyone and the gradation of colour depicts the stages of frailty; robust, pre-frail and frail. The words underneath the logo; ‘support’, ‘strength’ and ‘confidence’ were chosen to underpin the main purpose of the network.
As a network we don’t just focus on the condition; we focus on the whole person by providing support and strength from a network of skilled people across various roles, including those with life experience of frailty. We come together, share information and support each other in the process.
Our Motto
‘Frailty is everybody’s business’
Frailty is preventable, therefore developing knowledge and understanding of frailty as a complex long-term condition is central to changing practice and improving health outcomes related to frailty. Supporting individuals to age well by preventing frailty where possible is now a main priority. Of equal importance is to ensure that every individual feels supported and involved in the planning of their future care as they age.
Our Members
We asked some of our members to sum up what being part of the Frailty Network meant to them and here’s how they responded:
- ‘From its inception in 2019 the NIFN has brought together a diverse group of individuals & organisations with an interest in, knowledge of or responsibility for Frailty related services. It has effectively harnessed members enthusiasm, knowledge and skills to become a trusted local voice advocating for older adults living with Frailty particularly in relation to prevention & public messaging, Frailty identification, new models of care and HSC workforce education. Trying to changing attitudes or challenge the status quo can be an exhausting and isolating process. Being a member of NIFN has offered many opportunities for me to learn from my fellow members. More importantly, it has multiplied many times over any of my own efforts to drive regional improvement in care or provide challenge when necessary.’
- ‘Being part of the network means I have the opportunity to use my own lived experience to strengthen services for people who have frailty’
- ‘As a service user and former carer, it’s good to feel I can use my own lived experience of frailty to help others. Also to raise awareness of how frailty may be avoided’
‘It has given me the opportunity to connect with professionals from various disciplines and the network allows us to share our passion for ageing and the care of older people’