Hospitalization can be a pivotal event in a frail senior's life.  It can add years and quality to life, or create complications that result in a difficult-to-reverse decline in physical or cognitive function.  Without senior friendly processes in place, seniors may also have higher rates of adverse events, surgical complications, and nosocomial infections.  Poor outcomes can result, such as increased length of stay, re-admission to hospital, decreased capacity for independent living, and reduced quality of life.