The Standardization of the Kohlman Evaluation
The Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS) is a standardized assessment tool, meaning it follows a consistent, predetermined protocol for administration and scoring. This standardization allows clinicians to compare results across different individuals and settings, providing a reliable measure of a person's independent living skills. Developed by an occupational therapist and revised over time, the KELS remains relevant and reliable for various populations, including those in geriatric care.
What Standardization Means for KELS
Standardization for the KELS assessment ensures consistency and validity through several key elements:
- Uniform Administration: Clear instructions minimize variability in how the test is given.
- Consistent Scoring: A standardized system ensures all evaluators apply the same criteria.
- Established Norms and Validity: Research supports the KELS's reliability and validity for assessing independent living skills in various populations.
This process helps ensure results accurately reflect an individual's abilities without evaluator bias.
KELS: A Criterion-Referenced Assessment
The KELS is a criterion-referenced test, which means an individual's performance is measured against predefined criteria for independent functioning rather than a peer group. The score indicates if skills are sufficient for independent living or if assistance is needed.
Domains Assessed by KELS
The KELS evaluates essential daily living skills across five main areas. These areas include self-care, safety and health, money management, community mobility (such as using transportation and phones), and work and leisure. More detailed information on the specific tasks and questions within each domain can be found on {Link: OKSenate.gov https://sbc.oksenate.gov/uploaded-files/16iRLG/585057/KohlmanEvaluationOfLivingSkillsPdf.pdf} and {Link: OKSenate.gov https://sbc.oksenate.gov/Resources/16iRLG/585057/KohlmanEvaluationOfLivingSkillsPdf.pdf}.
Administering the Kohlman Evaluation
Administering the KELS involves observation and a structured interview, typically taking 30 to 45 minutes. The evaluator guides the individual through tasks and asks questions across the different domains.
How KELS Informs Senior Care
For seniors, especially those with cognitive decline or recovering from illness, the KELS provides crucial information for discharge planning and care management. The results help determine the safest living environment, such as home with support, assisted living, or skilled nursing.
Comparing KELS with Non-Standardized Assessments
| Feature | Standardized (KELS) | Non-Standardized (e.g., Clinical Observation) |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | High. | Low. |
| Reliability | Good. | Variable. |
| Comparison | Allows comparison and tracking progress. | Limited to the individual and a single point in time. |
| Focus | Measures performance against criteria. | More flexible, lacks formal scoring. |
Conclusion
The Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS) is a standardized and reliable assessment tool. Its structured approach and criterion-referenced scoring offer a consistent method for evaluating independent living capacity, making it a valuable resource for care planning in geriatric and rehabilitative settings.
For additional information on standardized assessments in occupational therapy, consider exploring resources from authoritative sources like the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Important Considerations and Limitations
While valuable, the KELS has limitations. It should be part of a broader assessment and may not fully reflect abilities in a natural environment or account for cultural differences. Professional judgment is vital in interpreting results and creating a care plan.
Ongoing Evaluation
For individuals with progressive decline, ongoing KELS evaluation is beneficial due to its standardized nature. Periodic reassessment helps track changes and adjust care plans to ensure safety and quality of life.
