The assessment of self-care capacity in geriatric psychiatric patients by objective and subjective methods.

A simple performance test was developed and used to evaluate a sample of psychiatric geriatric patients on their capacity for self-care. Evaluations were made by asking the patient to demonstrate certain essential activities of daily living. The objective test, compared with patients' subjective reports, was found to be a more valid measuring instrument of functional impairment and more useful as a diagnostic and prognostic tool Test scores correlated with independent clinical assessments of mental status and physical conditions, as well as with short-term outcome of hospitalization. The scale is easy and quick to administer and has many applications for the treatment and management planning of patients.