Assessment Tools: Independent living scales (ILS)

CINAHL and PubMed searches on the reliability and validity for the Independent living scales (ILS). Click on the database link to run the search.

Author: Loeb, Patricia Anderten

Summary:  The ILS assesses adults' competence in activities of daily living related to independent living. "The items, which target situations relevant to independent living, require the examinee to do problem solving, to demonstrate knowledge, or to perform a task. An individual's performance on the ILS can guide determination of the most appropriate living arrangements for adults who are cognitively impaired. Information at the item level is specific enough to identify needed support services, adaptations, or instruction for adults who are unable to function independently in certain areas of everyday living" (Loeb, 2003). 

Format: Individualized standardized assessment on knowledge, problem solving and performance-based measures.
Library Record:   Call # HV 3011 L825i 1996 ATOOLS (Reserve Desk)

Population:

• adults 65 years and older or adults with a psychiatric diagnosis where competency assessment is required.
• the ILS should not be administered immediately after trauma (e.g. stroke) when the client's cognitive and motor abilities are unstable.
• clients who have been institutionalized - long term (to determine level of functioning improvement or decline) or temporarily for the treatment of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder (to determine the most independent living environment possible after treatment).

Completion time     45 minutes, scoring 10 minutes.

Testing time can vary considerably according to the examinee's level of functioning. Attempt to give the entire test in one sitting.

Equipment     

Kit includes:

• manual, stimulus booklet, record form, perforated page from record form and pouch with driver's licence, credit card and key.

Materials not included in kit:

• Stopwatch, writing paper, pencil and pen
• six quarters, five dimes, five pennies and four nickels
• telephone, $10 bill, telephone book and envelope

How effective was this tool for you?

The Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library will provide assessment tools and outcome measures for loan to faculty, students and staff of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) with a valid University of Manitoba (U of M) Library ID. If you qualify to borrow a tool you will need to fill out and present this form to the NJMHSL Circulation staff.

Open the following sections for information on:

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