Assessment Tool: Barthel Index

A 10-item weighted ADL scale used to quantify functional independence and guide care planning and rehabilitation decisions.

Barthel Index

Measures functional independence across 10 activities of daily living on a weighted scale (0–100). Scores reflect usual performance, not best performance.

Feeding

[0] Unable/totally dependent [5] Needs help (cutting, spreading butter, etc.) [10] Independent

Bathing

[0] Dependent [5] Independent (bath or shower without help)

Grooming (face, hair, teeth, shaving)

[0] Needs help [5] Independent

Dressing

[0] Dependent [5] Needs help but does at least half unaided [10] Independent (including buttons, zips, laces)

Bowel control

[0] Incontinent (or needs enemas) [5] Occasional accident (≤ once/week) [10] Continent

Bladder control

[0] Incontinent or catheterised and unable to manage [5] Occasional accident (< once/24 hrs) [10] Continent (for > 7 days)

Toilet use

[0] Dependent [5] Needs some help; can do something alone [10] Independent (on/off, dressing, wiping)

Transfers (bed to chair and back)

[0] Unable — no sitting balance [5] Major help (1–2 people, physical); can sit [10] Minor help (verbal or physical) [15] Independent

Mobility (on level surface)

[0] Immobile [5] Wheelchair independent, including corners [10] Walks with help of one person (verbal or physical) [15] Independent (may use aid) for ≥ 50 m

Stairs

[0] Unable [5] Needs help (verbal, physical, or carrying aid) [10] Independent (including carrying aid if needed)

Result

Score: 0/100

Dependence level:

Scores below 60 generally indicate need for significant assistance; below 20 suggest total dependence. Use alongside multidisciplinary assessment and therapy referral.

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