There is a strong desire for older adults to age in place and continue living at home.1 However, many factors affect the ability for older adults to live successfully in
the community. Assessment of performance and independence in activities of daily living
is essential in understanding the amount and type of assistance needed for successful
community living in this population. The Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS)
is an observation- and interview-based assessment used in inpatient or outpatient
facilities to evaluate function in the areas of self-care, safety and health, money
management, community mobility and telephone, and employment and leisure participation
for older adults.2 This 17-item measure rates individuals’ performances in these areas as Independent,
Needs Assistance, or Not Applicable, ultimately resulting in a final score that indicates
the level of assistance an individual would need to live independently in the community.2 The KELS is psychometrically sound for the older adult population, exhibiting adequate
to excellent validity measures.1,3 The KELS has been translated into several languages and shown to be valid across
different cultural groups and settings.2 The scoring manual and scoring forms are available for purchase from the American
Occupational Therapy Association online store for $99 for American Occupational Therapy
Association members and $140 for nonmembers.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 04, 2019
Footnotes
Highlights From the Rehabilitation Measures Database
This content is provided as a service by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and is not peer reviewed by the Archives.