There are two parts to this assignment: You will be conducting a geriatric functional assessment. This geriatric functional assessment tool is the At the end of the geriatric functional assessment, you will be asked to document your findings & provide a brief description of the person and the results of this assessment.
Introduction
Geriatric functional assessment is a critical component of comprehensive geriatric care. It aims to evaluate the functional status and abilities of older adults in various domains of life, including physical, cognitive, and social functioning. This assessment provides valuable information about an individual’s ability to carry out daily activities, identify areas of impairment or decline, and formulate appropriate interventions and care plans.
The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a geriatric functional assessment using a specific tool called the “Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale.” This tool is widely utilized in geriatric care settings to assess an individual’s functional abilities related to more complex tasks that are necessary for independent living. By utilizing this assessment tool, we can gain insights into an individual’s level of independence, functional strengths, and areas of impairment.
Geriatric Functional Assessment Tool: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale
The IADL Scale is a validated tool designed to assess an individual’s performance in several specific tasks necessary for independent functioning. It evaluates the individual’s ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living, which are essential for maintaining independence at home and in the community. Unlike basic activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing, which primarily measure physical functioning, IADLs assess more complex cognitive and social skills.
The IADL Scale typically includes a list of tasks that older adults may encounter in their daily lives. These tasks often include managing finances, using transportation, shopping, meal preparation, medication management, and telephone use, among others. Each task is rated based on the individual’s ability to complete it independently, with options such as “completely independent,” “somewhat independent,” “moderately impaired,” and “severely impaired.”
By administering the IADL Scale, we can determine the level of assistance required by the individual in each specific task. This information can guide interventions and support services to improve the individual’s functional independence, quality of life, and overall well-being. It also helps healthcare providers and caregivers identify potential areas of decline or impairment that may require further assessment or intervention.
Conducting a Geriatric Functional Assessment
To conduct a geriatric functional assessment using the IADL Scale, several steps need to be followed. These steps include:
1. Introduction and explanation: Begin by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the assessment to the individual. Ensure that they understand the nature of the assessment and the tasks involved.
2. Obtain informed consent: Prior to conducting any assessment, it is essential to obtain informed consent from the individual. This demonstrates respect for their autonomy and ensures that they understand the voluntary nature of their participation.
3. Setting: Determine an appropriate setting for conducting the assessment. Ideally, this should be a quiet and comfortable space where the individual feels at ease and can focus on the tasks at hand.
4. Administration of the IADL Scale: Provide the individual with a copy of the IADL Scale and explain the rating system. Encourage them to provide honest and accurate responses based on their current abilities.
5. Task assessment: Proceed to assess each task listed on the IADL Scale by asking the individual about their ability to perform it independently. Note their responses and record them accurately.
6. Observation: In addition to self-reporting, it is essential to observe the individual’s actual performance of the tasks whenever possible. This can provide further insight into their abilities and any discrepancies between self-assessment and actual performance.
7. Documentation: Document the findings of the geriatric functional assessment, including the individual’s demographic information, a brief description of their overall health status, and the results of the IADL Scale assessment. Ensure that the documentation is clear, concise, and accurate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conducting a geriatric functional assessment using the IADL Scale is a valuable tool for evaluating an older person’s functional abilities in instrumental activities of daily living. By utilizing this assessment tool, healthcare providers and caregivers can gain insights into an individual’s level of independence, identify areas of impairment or decline, and develop appropriate interventions and care plans. This assessment contributes to the overall comprehensive geriatric care of older adults, aiming to enhance their functional independence, well-being, and quality of life.