Project Overview

The limited awareness and understanding of frailty, infrequent screening of frailty in health care settings, and reduced access to health services are factors that increase the vulnerability of older adults to poor health outcomes. Barriers to access including the availability of community-based services, functional status, cost, and limited transportation services result in less than optimal care and the increased risk of future adverse health events. Virtual care via the use of technology to extend health care services into the community provides an opportunity to increase access to services, reduces barriers, and increases the support for older adults to build self-management strategies for health. The aim of the project is to develop and evaluate the use of an interdisciplinary virtual care program targeting older adults at risk for or living with frailty living in rural areas of Nova Scotia.