ALABASTRO, Marife C.

CABATO, Kimberly T.
BSN IV B

In utilizing Katz index of independence in ADL's, this allows us to have the knowledge on how to
evaluate the health status of elderly people by assessing their independence in doing their ADLs. This
give us an idea on how to properly plan and implement proper nursing interventions for the elderly.
Upon utilizing this tool, we looked for a patient, with an inclusion criterion of more than 60 years old,
male or female, able to do ADLs or not.

During our community duty in Pito, Bokod Province, we found an 87 year old man. We assessed
his indepedence by utilizing the Katz index tool. Six functions were assessed with a total score of 5
indicated as moderate impairment. It shows that even with the age of 87, he can still function as an
individual, but with proper supervision and guidance. When we asked the old man’s family about his
ADL’s they claimed that they observed that he can do it by himself when he is alone, and only calls for
assistance when he feels very weak.

While for the Lawton instrument activities of daily living, this assesses the functional level of elderly
individuals, Women have a score range of 0-8 and for men 0-5 because of the exclusion of laundry, food
preparation and housekeeping. Through our assessment, our client scored 5 out of 5 in the scale for
men, meaning he is high functional independent for his age ang gender. Often times as observed Slowed
gait, low physical activity, weakened senses, seem to be the main factors hindering the ADL’s of elderly
individuals. Using this instrument might be useful for identifying elderly people who could possibly
benefit from a plan of care aimed at preventing disability in doing ADLs through the assessment of their
functional level.

In our area of rotation where we interviewed our client, it is a place where all families are fully
independent to their own needs and own ways of living. It is amazing to see some of the elderly people
are still strong and still able to their ADL’s with no problem, their way of living seems to be their way of
exercising as well, as they are able to do things independently, shows how much potential they have
despite their age. Elderly individuals are fully capable of taking care of themselves. It is important for us
to take preventive actions that are known to decrease the risk of developing limitations in ADLs. Being
physically active is, found to be effective, because it can slow down the process of disability as well, we
don’t necessarily force them to be active but rather guide, support and encourage them to the best that
they can without crossing their limits. promoting an active lifestyle for them is important, Simple
activities such as household chores and walking can be encouraged because these activities are not that
demanding of energy. Having both of these assessment tools can help determine the plan of care for the
elderly without underestimating their abilities.