This information was developed by the NHS Scotland Acute Frailty Unit Development Group 2026 and reproduced with thanks by NHS Fife Frailty Team.
About your admission
At triage you or a family member were identified as living with frailty, and you have therefore been admitted to the Acute Frailty Unit and will be reviewed by a Multidisciplinary team. As part of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, you may be seen by Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Pharmacists and Speech and Language Therapists.
Learn a bit more about our multidisciplinary team.
Hospital is not always the best place for people living with frailty. Prolonged stays can increase risks such as falls, infections and deconditioning (losing strength). Our team will support you to return to a homely setting as soon and as safely as possible.
Your stay within the unit
Active Wards
We aim to keep you as active and independent as possible during your stay. Getting up, dressed and moving when it is safe helps prevent deconditioning and can reduce delays in going home. From admission, we work with you to agree a planned date of discharge.
What to bring (if available):
- Day clothes (comfortable and easy to put on)
- Supportive shoes or slippers
- Walking aids
- Glasses, hearing aids and batteries
- Dentures and denture box
- A small supply of toiletries
- Something to do (for example, a book or magazine)
- A small personal item for reassurance
- Your current medicines in their original boxes, plus your repeat prescription list.
Helpful information from family and carers
It helps us to understand what matters to you, your daily routines, your usual abilities, and any changes noticed at home. Families and carers are welcome to share this information with ward staff.
Preparing for discharge
We plan for going home from the day you arrive. You and your family can help by arranging:
- Keys: Have house keys available on the day of discharge
- Key safe: Share the key safe number (if you have one)
- Transport: Can a family member or friend collect you? Are there any access issues at home (for example, stairs)?
- Food: Arrange basic food supplies at home, or consider an online grocery delivery
- Heating and utilities: Ensure heating and hot water are on
- Clothes and footwear: Comfortable, safe footwear for leaving hospital
- Walking aids: Make sure these are available for your journey and at home
Possible discharge pathways
Our goal is to deliver care at home or as close to home as possible.
You may:
- Return home without further input
- Return home with support, for example from community health teams, reablement (short‑term support to build independence), or care at home services
- Transfer to a local rehabilitation unit for short‑term therapy before returning home
Your discharge pathway depends on your assessed needs and what is safest for you.
Daily living and keeping independently at home
Please see Living well with frailty for more information on keeping moving during your recovery.
Recovering after your illness
Everyone’s recovery is different. The time it takes depends on your illness, frailty, other long‑term conditions, age and your usual level of activity. It is normal to have good days and tougher days.
Eating and drinking
Eating well is essential for recovery. Many people lose weight after a hospital stay and appetite may be low at first. Think of food as part of your treatment.
Please see Frailty and Nutrition for more information on eating and drinking well during your recovery.
Sleeping
Sleep problems are common after a hospital stay. Sleep helps your body and emotions to heal.
- Short daytime naps can help you avoid becoming overtired
- Try to keep a regular routine (bedtime and wake time)
- Some people experience vivid dreams or hallucinations after serious illness; these often fade over time. Speak to your doctor if they persist or distress you.
Keeping moving
Please see our sections on living well with frailty or falls prevention for more information on keeping moving during your recovery
Medications
Your medicines may have changed during your stay. When you go home you will receive an updated list of your medicines
- If your medicines are different from before, your Practice Pharmacist or Doctor can review them with you
- Ask if any medicines were stopped and why, and how to take any new medicines safely
- Keep medicines in their original boxes and use a daily checklist or pill organiser if helpful
Continence
Changes in bladder or bowel control are common after illness. Please tell us if this effects you. We can:
- Check for treatable causes (for example, infection, constipation, medicines)
- Advise on toileting routines, fluids and diet
- Provide information on continence products
- Refer you to community continence services if needed
Hints and tips
- Start with short reads or short television programmes
- Try quiz shows, simple crosswords or puzzles
- Family and friends can help by having unhurried conversations in a quiet space
- Allow extra time for tasks; doing them yourself helps the brain to re‑learn
Memory, concentration and confusion
After illness, your brain can tire more quickly. You may feel muddled, anxious, low in mood, or find it harder to remember or concentrate—especially in busy or noisy places. This often improves gradually over weeks to months. Speak to your Doctor if you are worried.
Staying connected and going out
- Busy, noisy places can be hard at first build up gradually
- Plan short trips to begin with
- It is fine to leave early from events as you rebuild stamina
- Consider local day centres or social groups when you feel ready
Moving around safely | NHS Fife
Family and relationships
Being in hospital effects patients, families and friends in different ways. Some people like a timeline or diary to fill gaps in memory; others find that distressing—choose what feels right. Feelings of guilt are common. It is natural for patients and families to experience a range of emotions during and after a hospital stay.
Families may find it helpful to speak to someone independent (for example, a listening service or your local GP).
Community support and useful contacts
For support in the community after your hospital stay visit our MCN page Patient information and resources. Here you will find contacts for support agencies such as The Well and other services.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
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