Abstract
The article presents experiences with evaluation of abilities to perform activities of daily living (ADL). It is focused on differences between ratings of ADL abilities by older adults and by their care providers.
Presented data comes from results of the study aimed on the quality of care conducted in long-term care settings. The total of 164 nursing home residents participated in the study.
The foci of attention were frail older adults who are often recipients of financial support for care. The decision about the provided care allowance is commonly based on data provided by older adults themselves which does not always reflect actual status.
Statistical procedures included t-tests, intra-class correlations (ICC) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). It appeared that frail older adults generally overestimate their functional abilities and that the level of this overestimation is associated with cognitive deterioration.
Although the results of a substantial subset of older adults with milder cognitive were similar to those of their care providers, it is crucial to understand that the ratings provided by frail older adults in advanced age, especially by those with more severe cognitive deficits, might not reflect the actual status accurately. The results of the study proved that the differences between the ratings may be very high which is very important for clinical practice.