Geriatric Assessment Tools

The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living assesses six basic functions: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and feeding. It grades patients on a scale of 0 (fully dependent) to 6 (fully independent). It helps determine the level of care and support a patient needs.

The Morse Fall Scale assesses six risk factors: history of falling, secondary diagnosis, use of ambulatory aid, IV therapy, gait quality, and mental status. Scores range from 0–125. Scores ≥45 indicate high fall risk and should trigger fall prevention interventions.

The Clinical Frailty Scale is a 9-point visual scale that classifies patients from 1 (very fit) to 9 (terminally ill). It combines clinical judgment with functional assessment. Scores ≥5 indicate frailty, which is associated with increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality.