Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living

A widely used measure of basic ADLs that evaluates independence in 6 essential functions. Each item is scored as independent (1) or dependent (0), with a total of 0-6.

Warnings:

Katz Index focuses on basic ADLs only; does not assess instrumental ADLs (IADLs)
Should be supplemented with IADL assessment (e.g., Lawton Scale) for complete functional assessment
Letter grades A-G indicate which specific ADLs are impaired (A=all independent, G=all dependent)
Modified versions exist; ensure institutional standardization
A score of 6 indicates independence; 4 moderate impairment; 0 very dependent

Note: The original Katz Index assigns letter grades: A = independent in all 6, B = independent in all except bathing, C = independent in all except bathing and dressing, etc. The Modified Katz Scale is commonly used in clinical practice with the 0-6 scoring.

Eating

Needs assistance (0)Independent (1)

Gets food from plate into mouth without help

Dressing

Needs help or completely dressed (0)Independent (1)

Gets clothes from closets, puts on clothes and fasteners; may have help tying shoes

Bathing

Needs assistance with >1 part or total bath (0)Independent (1)

Bathes self completely or needs help with only one part

Transferring

Needs help or complete transfer (0)Independent (1)

Moves in and out of bed or chair unassisted (mechanical aids acceptable)

Toileting

Needs help with transfer, cleaning, or uses bedpan (0)Independent (1)

Goes to toilet, gets on/off, arranges clothes, cleans genital area

Continence

Partial or total incontinence (0)Continent (1)

Controls bladder and bowel completely (without occasional accidents)

Results

Independent (A) Moderate Impairment Severe Impairment Very Dependent

References

Modified Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale - Merck Manual Professional Edition (2023)