Barthel Index: Measuring Activities of Daily Living

The Barthel Index (BI) is a trusted tool for assessing independence in activities of daily living. It helps clinicians track functional changes over time. This scale looks at ten specific tasks related to personal care and mobility, focusing on what a patient actually does day to day rather than what they might be able to do. Items cover feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, bowel and bladder control, toilet use, transfers, walking, and climbing stairs. Scores generally range from 0 to 100, where higher numbers mean better independence and less need for physical help. It is quick to use, taking only a few minutes for nurses or therapists to complete through direct observation or by asking the patient. The results are helpful for planning discharge and checking if rehabilitation is working. It gives a clear picture of how much care someone needs to manage safely at home.