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Katz Index of Independence in ADLs

Katz Index: Measures basic survival skills. A score of 1 = Independent (can perform without physical assistance). 0 = Dependent (requires physical assistance or supervision).

Assess 6 basic functions

Bathing

Bathes self completely or needs help in bathing only a single part of the body (e.g., back).

Dressing

Gets clothes from closets/drawers and puts on clothes and outer garments complete with fasteners.

Toileting

Goes to toilet, gets on/off, arranges clothes, cleans genital area without help.

Transferring

Moves in and out of bed or chair unassisted (mechanical transferring aides are acceptable).

Continence

Exercises complete self-control over urination and defecation.

Feeding

Gets food from plate into mouth without help (preparation of food may be done by another person).

Guidelines & Evidence

Verified

Last Review: 2026

When to Use

Baseline functional assessment of older adults in primary care or upon hospital admission.

Determining the level of caregiving assistance required at home.

Tracking functional decline or recovery in chronic illness and rehabilitation.

Predicting mortality and institutionalisation risk in the elderly.

The Hierarchy of Decline

The Katz Index is built on the physiological observation that ADLs are lost in a specific, hierarchical sequence in dementia and aging: complex tasks (bathing, dressing) are lost first, while basic survival functions (eating) are preserved until the very end stages.

Related Scores in Practice

In clinical practice, this assessment is frequently evaluated alongside other validated measures. Depending on the patient's presentation and specific diagnostic requirements, you may also need to utilize the Barthel Index, Lawton Instrumental ADL Scale or the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) to formulate a comprehensive care plan.

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026

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