By Linda Kohlman Thomson, MOT, OTR, OT(C), CAPS, FAOTA
With Regi Robnett, PhD, OTR/L
Note. As of January 2020, the Banking item in the KELS evaluation cannot be accessed with Apple's recently updated Catalina OS software. AOTA is working on a solution.
This new edition of the classic assessment determines a patient's or client's ability to function in basic living skills. Easily administered and appropriate for use with many populations and in many settings, this versatile assessment assists in identifying areas in which a person can perform and where he or she needs assistance.
The tool is helpful with many other populations and in many settings, including
- Older adults in nursing facilities, inpatient units, and outpatient settings;
- Clients in acute-care units in hospitals;
- People with acquired brain injury; and
- Adolescents in living skill training programs
KELS tests 13 living skills in five areas: (1) self-care, (2) safety and health, (3) money management, (4) community mobility and telephone, and (5) employment and leisure participation. Administration combines interview questions and tasks and is easy to learn. It can be administered in a short period of time, usually in approximately 45 minutes.
In this edition, safety photos have been updated, and electronic banks and electronic devices are included on the flash drive. Fillable score forms and other administration forms are also available on the flash drive.
Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Equipment Assembly
Chapter 3. Forms, Labels, and Cards
Chapter 4. Administration
Chapter 5. Completion of the KELS Score Form
Chapter 6. Research
Chapter 7. Application and Limitations
Revised from user feedback and tested on more than 200 clients, the updated KELS provides valuable information used to match a living environment with a person's strengths, enabling patients and clients to live safely in the least restrictive environment possible.
978-1-56900-374-9, 54 pages, 2016