Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS)

Very Fit

Robust, active, energetic, well motivated, and fit. These people commonly exercise regularly. They are among the fittest for their age.

Well

People who have no active disease symptoms but are less fit than category 1. Often they exercise or are very active occasionally, e.g., seasonally.

Managing Well

People whose medical problems are well controlled, but are not regularly active beyond routine walking.

Vulnerable

Although not dependent on others for daily help, often symptoms limit activities. A common complaint is being "slowed up" and/or being tired during the day.

Mildly Frail

These people often have more evident slowing, and need help in high order IADLs (finances, transportation, heavy housework, medications). Typically, mild frailty progressively impairs shopping and walking outside alone, meal preparation and housework.

Moderately Frail

People who need help with all outside activities and with keeping house. Inside, they often have problems with stairs and need help with bathing and might need minimal assistance (cuing, standby) with dressing.

Severely Frail

Completely dependent for personal care, from whatever cause (physical or cognitive). Even so, they seem stable and not at high risk of dying (within ~6 months).

Very Severely Frail

Completely dependent, approaching the end of life. Typically, they could not recover even from a minor illness.

Terminally Ill

Approaching the end of life. This category applies to people with a life expectancy <6 months who are not otherwise evidently frail.