Functional Assessment

Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
http://www.hartfordign.org/publications/trythis/issue02.pdf
This tool is available from the John A. Hartford Institute of Geriatric Nursing and Alzheimer's Association's "Try This" series. According to the authors, one of the best ways to evaluate the health status of older adults is through functional assessment. The Katz Index assesses basic activities such as feeding, dressing, toileting, continence, bathing, and transferring.

Video:  http://www.nursingcenter.com/prodev/ce_article.asp?tid=783956
Article: http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/JournalArticle.asp?Article_ID=781870 (AJN, April 2008)

Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

This scale can provide early warning of functional decline or the need for further assessment.
http://www.hartfordign.org/publications/trythis/issue23.pdf

Video:  http://www.nursingcenter.com/prodev/ce_article.asp?tid=783903
Article: http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/JournalArticle.asp?Article_ID=781867 (AJN, April 2008)

Functional Decline in Hospitalized Older Adults
http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/JournalArticle.asp?Article_ID=620483 (AJN, January, 2006)

Monitoring Functional Status in Hospitalized Older Adults
http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/JournalArticle.asp?Article_ID=781870  (AJN, April, 2008)

Clinical Guideline: Assessment of Function of Critical Importance to Acute Care of Older Adults
http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=3504&nbr=2730&string=hartford+AND+institute
This evidence-based clinical guideline provides an overview of parameters for assessment of function in older adults.

Nursing-functional assessment of older adults
http://www.langara.bc.ca/vnc/geriatric.htm
Good overview of functional assessment, tools to use for evaluation, case study and test questions.

Function
www.consultgerirn.org
An excellent overview on function related to older adults and within the framework of the nursing process. Select function from the topic menu.

Nursing rehabilitation/restoration

Association of Rehabilitation Nurses
http://www.rehabnurse.org/
This is the homepage for the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. ARN's mission is to promote and advance professional rehabilitation nursing practice through education, advocacy, collaboration, and research to enhance the quality of life for those affected by disability and chronic illness.

Post-Stroke Rehab: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH)
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/poststrokerehab.htm
This Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Fact Sheet is presented bye the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, which is a division of the NIH. Topics discussed include defining "stroke," treatments, prognosis, and current research related to stroke. Access to a list of websites for organizations related to stroke is also available.

Function
www.consultgerirn.org
An excellent overview on function related to older adults and within the framework of the nursing process. Select function from the topic menu.

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