Screening seniors for risk of functional decline: Results of a survey in family practice

Objective: To measure functional status, determine risk of functional decli ne and assess consistency between and standardized instruments. Design: A mailed survey which measured functional impairment, recent hospit alization and bereavement. A positive response on at least one of these fac tors indicated that the individual was "at risk" for functional decline. A random sample (n=73) of "at risk" subjects (specifically, family practice p atients aged 70 and older) were assessed by a nurse. Results: The response rate was 89% (369/415), 59% of seniors were female an d the mean age was 77.1 (SD=5.5) years. Self-reported risk, based on activi ties of daily living (ADLs), was associated with impairment in at least one basic ADL (p<0.0005) using a standardized instrument. The positive predict ive value of the survey for ADL impairment was 65%. Conclusion: Response to a mailed survey was high and self-reported ADL risk s were consistent with findings from standardized assessment tools.