Functional assessment in the home

In this video, filmed in Australia, Dr Kurrle performs a functional assessment of an older adult in the home. We show some of the basic components of functional assessment that it is important for a doctor to know, some of which may be used in other settings, such as the GP surgery or on a hospital ward. In many settings an occupational therapist would provide a detailed assessment of the patient's home and their activities of daily living.

Clinical review: Functional assessment in older people

The assessment is split into stages

• (1.30) - Living room: mobility, sit to stand, lighting and furniture, dexterity.
• (3.00) - Kitchen: Turning on taps, cooking, holding a cup.
• (4.40) - Bedroom: Dressing, transfers to and from bed.
• (6.12) - Bathroom: Personal care, transfers to and from shower/bath.
• (7.34) - Toilet: Transfer onto and off the toilet
• (8.06) - Balcony Garden: Mobilisation out of door, hanging laundry.
• (8.28) - General mobility: Walking with our without aid, climbing stairs.
• (9.10) - Further assessment and interventions