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American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias logoLink to American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
. 2007 Oct-Nov;22(5):355–359. doi: 10.1177/1533317507305174

A Direct Functional Measure to Help Ascertain Optimal Level of Residential Care

Myron F Weiner 1, Barbara Davis 2, Kristin Martin-Cook 3, Linda S Hynan 4, Kathleen C Saine 5, C Munro Cullum 6
PMCID: PMC10846229  PMID: 17959870

Abstract

A brieF direct measure oF daily living skills might help place cognitively impaired elders in suitable living environments. In this study, the Test oF Everyday Functional Abilities (TEFA) as a possible adjunctive measure was investigated. The authors recruited 77 cognitively impaired persons in independent living (IL; N = 26), assisted living (AL; N = 25), and dementia special care (SC; N = 26) units. Participants in IL and AL were administered the TEFA and other instruments at baseline and every 6 months over 18 months and when transFerred to a higher level oF care. Special care subjects were administered the same instruments only at baseline. The TEFA clearly separated IL, AL, and SC residents (P < .0001). A TEFA score >50 suggests adequate Functional competence For IL; a score From 30 to 40 adequate Functional competence For AL; and a score oF <30 probable need For an SC unit in the absence oF a capable spouse.

Keywords: Test oF Everyday Functional Abilities, assisted living, dementia special care

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Contributor Information

Myron F. Weiner, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, myronweiner@utsouth western.edu.

Barbara Davis, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.

Kristin Martin-Cook, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.

Linda S. Hynan, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Science University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.

Kathleen C. Saine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.

C. Munro Cullum, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.

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