---
title: "The Katz ADL index: what it measures"
description: "The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living rates six self-care functions. What it covers, how it's used, and its limits."
url: https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/katz-index/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: Senior Choice Care
---

Explainer

# The Katz Index of Independence in ADLs

If a nurse or therapist mentions "the Katz," they mean a classic way of checking basic self-care. Here is what it covers, without reproducing the form.

**2 minute read** Updated October 9, 2026Written by the Senior Choice Care team

In short

The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living rates independence in six functions: bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence and feeding. Each is scored yes or no. The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing describes 6 as full function, 4 as moderate impairment and 2 or less as severe impairment. Clinicians use it to plan care.

**Written by the Senior Choice Care team** Updated October 9, 2026. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end of this page. General information; every family is different.

## What it is used for

The Hartford Institute says clinicians use the Katz ADL to assess function, detect problems with daily activities and plan care. It is most useful when a baseline is taken while the person is well and compared over time.

## Limits

- It covers basic ADLs, not household tasks (IADLs)
- It can miss small changes, such as during rehab
- A full geriatric assessment should follow when problems are found

For the form itself, see the Hartford Institute's page. Our own [ADL and IADL checklist](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/adl-checklist/) is an original tool for families.

## Questions families ask

### What does a Katz score of 6 mean?

Full function in all six activities, per the Hartford Institute.

### Who developed the Katz Index?

It was developed in the late 1950s and later simplified, the Hartford Institute notes.

### Does the Katz Index cover cooking or money?

No. Those are instrumental activities, measured by other tools.

### Can families use the Katz Index?

It is a clinical tool. Families can use our original checklist to prepare for a conversation with the doctor.

## Sources

- [Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing: Katz Index of Independence in ADLs](https://hign.org/consultgeri/try-this-series/katz-index-independence-activities-daily-living-adl)

## Read next

- [ADLs](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/activities-of-daily-living/)
- [ADL checklist](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/adl-checklist/)
- [IADLs](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/iadls/)

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