Self-Report of Functional Abilities in Older Adults With Mental Retardation: ADLs and IADLs

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of self-report in determining functional abilities in older adults with mental retardation. Thirty participants were interviewed twice using the index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, which were modified to include structured probes. The participants' self-reports were compared to informant reports from their care providers. Significant test-retest reliability and a significant correlation between participants' self-reports and informant reports were found. Reliability and validity of the index of ADL were increased by eliminating the item on incontinence. Analysis of the data confirmed the hypothesis that the modified ADL and IADL instruments could be used to obtain reliable and valid self-report data regarding functional ability in older adults with mental retardation. This information is useful to professionals in the generic aging service system who are now serving persons with mental retardation.