Catherine-Anne Murray presenting at the June session of the Welcome Collaborative.

Catherine-Anne Murray and Kailey Durette of Nova Scotia Health’s Frailty and Elder Care Network are reshaping how frailty and day to day risks are understood when treating older adults.

As presenters of the “Frailty & Dignity of Risk” session at the Welcome Collaborative, they are educating internationally trained physicians on how to better support older adults.

The session offers a comprehensive overview of frailty, introduces the concept of dignity of risk, and equips physicians with strategies for risk-informed care planning.

Catherine-Anne Murray (left) and Kailey Durette (right) of Nova Scotia Health’s Frailty and Elder Care Network.

“We want to recognize that frailty is not an unavoidable consequence of aging,” says Durette, a registered nurse with 15 years of experience in critical and elder care. “There are many opportunities to support older adults in maintaining their strength and functional capacity throughout their lives.”

Murray, an occupational therapist with over a decade of experience in geriatrics, highlights the negative impact of ageism and overprotective attitudes. “We often view older adults as incapable, focusing on deficits rather than strengths. That can lead to decisions being made for them, not with them,” she explains.

She emphasizes that taking risks in daily life, especially when it involves the health of older adults living with frailty, is not inherently negative. “There’s no such thing as a risk-free option,” Murray explains. “We need to be honest about that—with each other and with essential care partners—so we can better support older adults who prefer to live at home.”

Both Murray and Durette see the Welcome Collaborative as a learning opportunity. “Physicians trained outside Canada bring valuable perspectives,” says Durette. “Frailty measures are more widely adopted in other parts of the world, and we hope they can help integrate that knowledge here in Nova Scotia.”

Murray and Durette hope to build awareness, confidence, and competence around frailty and dignity of risk through their sessions. “No matter your area of practice, getting to know your patients—understanding their vulnerabilities and building on their strengths—leads to better outcomes,” says Durette. “We’re excited to share, learn, and grow together with the participants of the Welcome Collaborative.”