A direct functional measure to help ascertain optimal level of residential care.
A brieF direct measure oF daily living skills might help place cognitively impaired elders in suitable living environments. In this study, the Test oF Everyday Functional Abilities (TEFA) as a possible adjunctive measure was investigated. The authors recruited 77 cognitively impaired persons in independent living (IL; N = 26), assisted living (AL; N = 25), and dementia special care (SC; N = 26) units. Participants in IL and AL were administered the TEFA and other instruments at baseline and every 6 months over 18 months and when transFerred to a higher level oF care. Special care subjects were administered the same instruments only at baseline. The TEFA clearly separated IL, AL, and SC residents (P < .0001). A TEFA score >50 suggests adequate Functional competence For IL; a score From 30 to 40 adequate Functional competence For AL; and a score oF <30 probable need For an SC unit in the absence oF a capable spouse.
Weiner
Myron F
MF
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. myronweiner@utsouth western.edu
Davis
Barbara
B
Martin-Cook
Kristin
K
Hynan
Linda S
LS
Saine
Kathleen C
KC
Munro Cullum
C
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D011788:Quality of Life; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*