Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Care Strategies Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide for Geriatric Care Specialists

Functional status is the capacity to carry out activities essential for self-care and independent living. It encompasses basic activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, toileting, and continence, as well as instrumental activities like managing medications, meals, finances, transportation, and shopping. When someone can perform these tasks without help, they are considered functionally independent, which is a key indicator clinicians use to plan care and anticipate needs. This concept helps predict outcomes and required supports, rather than focusing on costs or team structure. The other terms describe different ideas: economic impact deals with costs, an interdisciplinary team refers to healthcare providers working together, and social movement denotes organized collective action.