ASSESSMENTS
Katz Index of Independence in ADLs

Basic Activities of Daily Living Assessment

Basic Activities of Daily Living Assessment

The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADL) is a standardized functional assessment used to evaluate a person's ability to perform six fundamental self-care tasks. It is one of the most widely used tools for assessing functional status in older adults and individuals with chronic or progressive conditions.

Delivered digitally through the BrainCheck platform, the Katz ADL supports structured functional assessment and longitudinal tracking, and integrates with cognitive data to support comprehensive care planning.

Benefits include:

  • Standardized assessment of six core self-care activities for a reliable snapshot of functional independence.
  • Brief and straightforward administration suitable for geriatric, rehabilitation, and post-acute care.
  • Longitudinal tracking supports monitoring of functional decline or recovery over time.
  • Integrates with cognitive assessment data for comprehensive care planning within BrainCheck.

Activities the Katz ADL Assesses

Bathing:
ability to wash independently.

Transferring:
ability to move in and out of bed or a chair.

Dressing:
ability to select and put on clothing.

Continence:
ability to control bladder and bowel functions.

Feeding:
ability to eat independently.

Toileting:
ability to manage toileting hygiene independently.

Common Clinical Use Cases

  • Functional status evaluation in geriatrics, rehabilitation, and post-acute care.
  • Monitoring functional decline in dementia, aging, and chronic disease settings.
  • Supporting care planning, discharge decisions, and level-of-care determinations.
  • Complementing cognitive assessments in comprehensive brain health evaluations.

On the BrainCheck Platform

  • Digitally administered with structured scoring and clear functional status results.
  • Longitudinal tracking allows monitoring of functional changes across visits.
  • Integrates with cognitive assessment data to support integrated care planning.
  • Supports comprehensive dementia and aging care workflows within BrainCheck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key things to know about the Katz Index of Independence in ADLs

What is the Katz Index of Independence in ADLs?

The Katz ADL Index is a standardized functional assessment used to evaluate a person's ability to perform six basic activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing.

What activities does the Katz ADL assess?

The Katz ADL assesses bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding, providing a snapshot of basic functional independence.

Is the Katz ADL a diagnostic tool?

No. The Katz ADL is not diagnostic. It is used to assess functional status and support care planning, rehabilitation decisions, and monitoring over time.

In what settings is the Katz ADL commonly used?

The Katz ADL is commonly used in geriatrics, rehabilitation, neurology, and post-acute care settings, particularly when evaluating functional decline or recovery.

How does administering the Katz ADL through BrainCheck support clinical workflows?

On BrainCheck, the Katz ADL is delivered digitally with structured scoring and longitudinal tracking, and can be reviewed alongside cognitive assessment data to support integrated care planning.

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