#5. The Mini Mental.

The (Mini Mental Status Exam) MMSE is commonly used because it only takes 5 – 10 minutes and doctors or nurses don’t need any equipment or special training. The test has 30 questions that are each worth 1 point. These questions test memory, orientation, and math skills. 

If someone does score in the "cognitive impairment" range, it can indicate cognitive issues. But it doesn’t mean that they have dementia. What it does mean is that more physical and cognitive testing should be done to better understand what’s causing the cognitive issues.

#3. Tinetti Assessment Tool.

 The Tinetti Assessment Tool is a simple, easily administered test that measures a resident’s gait and balance. The test is scored on the resident’s ability to perform specific tasks. It is appropriate for adults and the elderly. Residents who score in the range of 19 – 24 points indicate that the resident has a risk for falls.

Interrater reliability was measured in a study of 15 residents by having a physician and a nurse test the residents at the same time. Agreement was found on over 85% of the time and the items that differed never did so by more than 10%. These results indicate that the Tinetti Assessment Tool has good interrater reliability.

#2. Elderly Mobility Scale.

The Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) is a 20 point validated assessment tool for the assessment of frail elderly residents. EMS is an ordinal scale measurement.  EMS evaluates an individual’s mobility problems through seven functional activities including bed mobility, transfers and bodily reaction to perturbation. Speed of sit to stand and walking speed are analyzed.  You do need a stop watch, measuring tape and access to a bed and chair to complete this test. This is an older test that many have forgotten about, but it is still a good one.