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The Geriatric Functional Score Scale: A Preliminary Report on a Useful Tool for Assessing The Elderly
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 November 2010
Abstract
Many functional scales used with the elederly are inadequate because they focus solely on physical functioning and were designed for younger adults who were orthopedically or neurologically impaired (e.g. the Katz, the Kenny). An appropriate assessment of the elderly's capabilities must include other components—mental functioning, tolerance and motivation, as well as physical functioning. A new assessment tool—the Geriatric Function Score Scale (G.F.S.S.) was developed for the elderly by Lowe (1984). It is an objective tool which examines physical, cognitive and motivational components of functioning and takes only 20 minutes to administer. The results of a preliminary study revealed that the score patients received on the G.F.S.S. was able to discriminate the level of placement (chronic care setting versus nursing home versus supervised setting, etc.) they would need upon discharge from the hospital. In addition, a positive conelation was found (r = .84) when comparing the G.F.S.S. with the Folstein Mini Mental Status Examination.
Résumé
Plusieurs échelles fonctionnelles utilisées auprès des gens âgés sont inadéquates parce qu'elles se limitent strictement au fonctionnement physique et ont été conçues pour de jeunes adultes victimes de détérioration neurologique ou orthopédique (e.g. Katz, Kenny). Une évaluation juste des capacités des gens âgés se doit d'inclure d'autres éléments—le fonctionnement au niveaqu physique et intellectuel, la tolérance, et la motivation. Lowe (1984) a mis au point un nouvel instrument d'évaluation destiné aux personnes âgées—le Geriatric Functional Score Scale. Il s'agit d'un outil objectif qui examine l'aspect physique et intellectuel ainsi que la motivation au niveau du comportement et peut être administré en moins de 20 minutes. Selon les résultats d'une étude préliminaire, le score des patients soumis au G.F.S.S. a aidé à déterminer le genre de placement qui suffirait le mieux à leurs besoins après avoir quitté l'hôpital (soins chroniques, centre d'accueil ou établissement où il y a surveillance, etc.) De plus, une corrélation positive a été établie (r = .84) en comparant le G.F.S.S. au Folstein Mini Mental Status Examination.
Keywords
- Type
- Articles
- Information
- Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 7 , Issue 2 , Summer/Été 1988 , pp. 114 - 124
- Copyright
- Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1988
References
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