Which tool is utilized to assess functional status in older adults?

The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living is specifically designed to assess the functional status of older adults by evaluating their ability to perform essential daily activities independently. This tool focuses on areas crucial for personal care, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding. By scoring these activities, healthcare providers can determine the level of assistance an older adult may require, providing vital information for care planning and intervention.

In contrast, the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment are both cognitive screening tools that evaluate cognitive function, not directly assessing functional abilities. The Geriatric Depression Scale, while important for identifying depressive symptoms, does not measure functional independence. Hence, the Katz Index is uniquely suited for determining the functional capabilities of older patients.