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WHY
Normal aging changes and health problems frequently show themselves as declines in the functional status of older adults. Decline may place older adults on a spiral of iatrogenesis leading to further health problems. One of the best ways to evaluate the health status of older adults is through functional assessment which provides objective data that may indicate future decline or improvement in health status, allowing nurses to intervene appropriately.
BEST TOOL
The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, commonly referred to as the Katz ADL, is the most appropriate instrument to assess functional status as a measurement of clients' ability to perform ADLs independently. Clinicians typically use the tool to detect problems in performing ADLs and to plan care accordingly. The index ranks adequacy of performance in the six functions of bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding. Clients are scored yes or no for independence in...