How are ADLs assessed?
Health care professionals use functional assessments of ADLs and IADLs to determine an individual’s ability to live independently without harming themselves. While there are no universal assessments, here are six of the most used ADL assessment tools:
The Katz Index
This is a simple checklist that is used for older adults to assess whether they can perform ADLs independently. It comprises a score from 0 to 6. Activities that can be done alone are scored 1, whereas activities that required supervision, direction, or assistance are scored 0. A high score indicates a greater degree of independence.
Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
The Lawton-Brody Scale
This scale assesses eight categories of IADLs. Under each category, several statements are listed, and you must select the statement that most closely reflects your situation. The score ranges from 0 to 8, with a high score indicating high function.
Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
The Klein-Bell Scale
This scale has a 170-item list that assesses six ADL categories. Each item is scored 0 (when you cannot perform the activity) or 1 (when you can perform the activity), and the score is totalled to determine your functional status. High scores indicate high independence.
The Cleveland Scale
This checklist is used to assess the independence levels of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. It has forty-seven items that are scored from 0 to 3 as follows:
0 = never dependent
1 = sometimes dependent
2 = usually dependent
3 = always dependent
The Bristol Scale
This is a 20-item questionnaire that assesses ADLs and IADLs in people with dementia. Each item is scored from 0 to 3, with a low score indicating high dependence. A full score of 60 points indicates complete independence.
The Barthel Index
This 100-point scale assesses 10 activities in people who have had a stroke. Each activity is scored between 0 and 10 or 0 and 15 points to assess your independence level. A high score indicates a greater level of independence.
How ADLs are used to provide care
Once health care providers have assessed your ability to perform ADLs and IADLs, they can design an appropriate care plan to compensate for your deficiencies and provide adequate help. For example, occupational therapists can recommend exercises to improve ambulation and minimize the risk of falls.
Your ADL and IADL levels are also indicators of whether you can live alone safely and successfully or if you require constant care. Your ADL proficiencies reveal which aspects of your daily living require additional assistance.
The inability to perform ADLs can also indicate the development of dementia and other degenerative diseases. So, regular evaluations of ADLs in older adults and high-risk individuals can aid in providing timely care.
What to do if an Adult cannot perform ADLs?
You might notice yourself or an adult you know struggling to perform ADLs satisfactorily. If you are wondering what the best course of action is in such a situation, here are a few tips:
Seek medical advice from your primary care physician or the nearest healthcare organization.
Based on the health care provider’s assessment, consider making lifestyle changes to lower the difficulty level of certain daily activities and increase the safety level of your surroundings.
If your living conditions are too challenging or inaccessible, consider moving to a care facility to ensure safe living conditions.
You could also contact professionals to design a care plan that will help you maintain your quality of life and monitor your progress so that any negative changes can be managed promptly.
The Bottom Line
If you or your loved ones require assistance with ADLs, do not hesitate to seek help. Caregivers and assisted living facilities can significantly improve your quality of life by supporting you, cheering you on, tracking your progress, providing timely assistance, and helping you maintain your independence. Regular ADL evaluations can help you catch any unnoticed symptoms early on and receive prompt treatment for a better prognosis.