Which assessment tool is used to assess independent living skills?

Which assessment tool is used to assess independent living skills?

• A. Katz Index ADL
• B. OASIS C
• C. Lawton IADL
• D. Timed UP & GO (TUG)

Answer: (C)

Independent living relies on performing instrumental activities of daily living—that is, the higher-level tasks needed to live independently in the community. The Lawton IADL specifically measures these abilities, covering activities such as using the telephone, shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, medication management, and financial management. Because it targets the complex tasks that determine whether someone can live on their own, it best reflects independence in daily living. In contrast, the Katz Index ADL focuses on basic self-care activities like bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding—fundamental functions but not the broader abilities required for independent living. The Timed Up & Go assesses mobility and fall risk rather than daily living capabilities. OASIS-C includes functional items within a broad home health assessment but isn’t dedicated specifically to evaluating independence in living situations.

Independent living relies on performing instrumental activities of daily living—that is, the higher-level tasks needed to live independently in the community. The Lawton IADL specifically measures these abilities, covering activities such as using the telephone, shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, medication management, and financial management. Because it targets the complex tasks that determine whether someone can live on their own, it best reflects independence in daily living.

In contrast, the Katz Index ADL focuses on basic self-care activities like bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding—fundamental functions but not the broader abilities required for independent living. The Timed Up & Go assesses mobility and fall risk rather than daily living capabilities. OASIS-C includes functional items within a broad home health assessment but isn’t dedicated specifically to evaluating independence in living situations.