Screening for activities of daily living (ADLs) is essential for assessing an individual’s functional independence and ability to perform basic self-care tasks necessary for daily living.
Get the full solved assignment PDF of MME-105/As-1 of 2024 session now.
ADL screening tools are used by healthcare professionals to evaluate an individual’s functional status, identify areas of impairment, and guide interventions to promote independence and quality of life. Here are some commonly used screening tools for assessing ADLs:
- **Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL)**: The Katz ADL Index assesses an individual’s ability to perform six basic ADLs independently: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding. Each ADL is scored as either independent (able to perform without assistance) or dependent (requires assistance).
- **Barthel Index**: The Barthel Index evaluates an individual’s ability to perform ten basic ADLs, including feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, bowel and bladder control, toilet use, transfers, mobility, and stair climbing. Each ADL is scored based on the level of assistance required, with higher scores indicating greater independence.
- **Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale**: The Lawton IADL Scale assesses an individual’s ability to perform more complex instrumental ADLs necessary for independent living, such as using the telephone, managing medications, handling finances, shopping, preparing meals, doing housework, and using transportation.
- **Functional Independence Measure (FIM)**: The FIM is a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates an individual’s functional independence across 18 items, including both basic ADLs and instrumental ADLs. It measures the level of assistance required for tasks such as eating, grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility, and cognition.
- **Older Americans Resources and Services (OARS) Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire**: The OARS questionnaire assesses various dimensions of functional status, including physical health, mental health, social activity, and ADLs. It includes items related to basic self-care tasks, mobility, and household activities.
- **Modified Rankin Scale (mRS)**: The mRS is commonly used to assess functional disability and dependence in individuals with stroke or other neurological conditions. It evaluates an individual’s level of disability based on their ability to perform ADLs, mobility, and self-care tasks.
These screening tools help healthcare professionals identify functional limitations, plan appropriate interventions, monitor progress over time, and make informed decisions about care and support services for individuals with impaired ADLs. It’s important to select the most appropriate screening tool based on the individual’s age, health condition, cultural background, and specific functional needs.