$Unique_ID{BRK01326}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions, Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Functional Assessment}
$Subject{nursing home assessment aging}
$Volume{E-23, A-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Functional Assessment


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QUESTION:  We have come to a sad time in our lives and now need your help
badly.  Though confused by many past events we believe it is time to find a
place for Dad to live, for we don't think he can continue to make it on his
own, alone at home.  Still we want to make a rational decision about this.
Are there any tests or examinations that might help us with this difficult
decision?  Who can we turn to for help?

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ANSWER:  Many specialized units in medical centers, as well as a growing
number of community hospitals, community service agencies, primary care
physicians and their staffs, are using quick, standardized tests to help
determine whether an older person can care for himself.
     This procedure, called functional assessment, is a way to identify
conditions that may match a person's ability to lead an active and independent
life.  It also can be used to monitor the progress of therapy that may be
started when evaluation shows the need for help.
     Assessment teams are often headed by physicians, and may include nurses,
social workers, physical or occupational therapists, and others.  Assessment
is useful not only for people who are living alone, but also for those who are
living with their families, in nursing homes, or in hospitals.  One of the
goals of assessment is to reduce the cost of care, while giving the person the
help he needs to be as independent as possible.  It also helps in determining
the best facility to meet with the needs of the patient.
     The team collects information on the person's physical and mental
activity, how he acts, and his social and economic situation.  You, as a
member of the family, can not only help to provide this information, but also
to give your father the emotional and physical support that are important for
successful evaluation--everything from making sure he arrives at his
appointments on time feeling relaxed, to discussing with him any concerns he
may have about the assessment or the reasons for undergoing it.
     A typical part of the analysis might be an Activities of Daily Living
(ADL) Index.  It is used to find out how much assistance, if any, your
father needs to bathe, dress, move about, eat, and go to the bathroom.
Another test, called the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL),
covers using the phone, shopping, cooking, housekeeping, doing laundry,
using transportation, handling medications, and managing money.
     Whether these specific tests are used or not, the assessment may involve
a number of evaluations conducted in one or more sessions.  Although you may
want to accompany your father, as you will be able to furnish useful
information to the team, they will probably also want to interview your father
directly, and may ask you to leave the room.  In addition, his medical records
will be checked to provide a complete evaluation of his medical and emotional
condition.
     Your task is not an easy one, but is being faced by more and more
families each day.  It is hard to face the fact that a loved parent may do
better in a controlled and structured environment, but I believe you will
find, that after a brief period of adjustment, your Dad will do better, and
enjoy life more than he would have in the solitude of single living.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
