Which assessment tool is used to evaluate basic activities of daily living in older adults?

Which assessment tool is used to evaluate basic activities of daily living in older adults?

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

Answer: (A)

Assessing basic activities of daily living focuses on fundamental self-care tasks that older adults need to perform every day to live independently. The Katz Index of ADL is the tool designed for this purpose, as it specifically evaluates six essential activities—bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding—and indicates whether each is independent or dependent. This concise measure directly reflects basic functional status and helps guide care planning and discharge decisions. In contrast, the other tools assess different domains. The Lawton IADL evaluates more complex, instrumental activities—like managing finances, transportation, and medication—which reflect higher-level independence. The Timed Up & Go tests mobility, balance, and fall risk rather than daily self-care ability. OASIS-C is a broad home health assessment used for eligibility and care planning, not a primary measure of basic ADLs.

Assessing basic activities of daily living focuses on fundamental self-care tasks that older adults need to perform every day to live independently. The Katz Index of ADL is the tool designed for this purpose, as it specifically evaluates six essential activities—bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding—and indicates whether each is independent or dependent. This concise measure directly reflects basic functional status and helps guide care planning and discharge decisions.

In contrast, the other tools assess different domains. The Lawton IADL evaluates more complex, instrumental activities—like managing finances, transportation, and medication—which reflect higher-level independence. The Timed Up & Go tests mobility, balance, and fall risk rather than daily self-care ability. OASIS-C is a broad home health assessment used for eligibility and care planning, not a primary measure of basic ADLs.