In a comprehensive geriatric assessment, which domain is most closely linked to independence in activities of daily living?

In a comprehensive geriatric assessment, which domain is most closely linked to independence in activities of daily living?

• A. Medical diagnoses
• B. Functional ability
• C. Living arrangements
• D. Socioeconomic status

Answer: (B)

Functional ability represents the capacity to perform basic self-care tasks and instrumental tasks needed for independence. In geriatrics, independence in activities of daily living depends on what a person can actually do, which hinges on physical strength, mobility, balance, vision, and cognitive function. When functional ability is preserved, a person can bathe, dress, eat, toilet, transfer, and manage continence without help. If there are limitations in these areas, dependence for ADLs increases. Living arrangements and socioeconomic status influence safety, access to resources, and support but do not directly determine a person’s ability to perform daily tasks on their own. Medical diagnoses describe disease processes but do not directly measure day-to-day capability. Thus, functional ability is the domain most closely linked to independence in activities of daily living.

Functional ability represents the capacity to perform basic self-care tasks and instrumental tasks needed for independence. In geriatrics, independence in activities of daily living depends on what a person can actually do, which hinges on physical strength, mobility, balance, vision, and cognitive function. When functional ability is preserved, a person can bathe, dress, eat, toilet, transfer, and manage continence without help. If there are limitations in these areas, dependence for ADLs increases. Living arrangements and socioeconomic status influence safety, access to resources, and support but do not directly determine a person’s ability to perform daily tasks on their own. Medical diagnoses describe disease processes but do not directly measure day-to-day capability. Thus, functional ability is the domain most closely linked to independence in activities of daily living.