📋 Source: Clinical Frailty Scale: Rockwood K et al. CMAJ 2005; updated Rockwood K & Theou O. Geriatrics 2020. Validated for adults ≥65 years. Not validated for acute illness or patients under 65. Your doctor or healthcare provider knows your history and circumstances — always follow their personalised advice over general information.
The validated 9-point frailty assessment for older adults — used across Australian aged care, hospital admission, and GP assessments.
Score based on the patient's usual state — not their current acute illness. Select the single best description of their baseline functional status.
1
Very Fit
Robust, active, energetic, and motivated. Exercises regularly. Among the fittest for their age.
2
Well
No active disease symptoms but less fit than category 1. Exercises occasionally or is very active seasonally.
3
Managing Well
Medical problems well controlled. Not regularly active beyond routine walking.
4
Living With Very Mild Frailty
Not dependent on others for daily help, but symptoms often limit activity. Complains of being slowed down or tired during the day.
5
Living With Mild Frailty
More evident slowing. Needs help with high-order IADLs (finances, transportation, heavy housework, medications). Typically impaired shopping and walking outside alone.
6
Living With Moderate Frailty
Needs help with all outside activities and with keeping house. Inside, often has problems with stairs and needs help with bathing. May need minimal assistance with dressing.
7
Living With Severe Frailty
Completely dependent for personal care, from whatever cause (physical or cognitive). Even so, seems stable and not at high risk of dying within ~6 months.
8
Living With Very Severe Frailty
Completely dependent, approaching end of life. Typically, could not recover even from a minor illness.
9
Terminally Ill
Approaching the end of life. This category applies even if they otherwise seem not frail.
The CFS is a clinical assessment tool requiring direct patient assessment — it is not a diagnostic instrument. It should not be used as the sole basis for treatment decisions, particularly regarding ICU admission or life-sustaining treatment. For patients with stable, single-cause disability (e.g. cerebral palsy, stable MS), CFS may not be appropriate. Always use in the context of comprehensive clinical assessment.
Sources
Rockwood K, Song X, MacKnight C, et al. A global clinical measure of fitness and frailty in elderly people. CMAJ. 2005;173(5):489–495. doi:10.1503/cmaj.050051
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