In residential care settings—particularly those serving individuals with catastrophic injuries—understanding and meeting the mobility needs of each resident is critical. Occupational therapists (OTs) play a key role in this process through the use of validated assessment tools like the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS). These tools not only help determine a client’s physical capabilities but also give providers a framework to evaluate and challenge the legitimacy of mobility-related recommendations.
The FIM is a widely used scale that rates a client’s independence across 18 tasks, including mobility, self-care, communication, and social cognition. Scores range from 1 (total assistance required) to 7 (complete independence). It’s a quick way to benchmark how much support a resident truly needs, helping guide staffing, equipment purchases, and care planning.
On the other hand, the AMPS provides a more nuanced look at how motor and process skills affect task performance in real-life contexts, like dressing, cooking, or grooming. It focuses on the quality and efficiency of performance rather than just whether a task is completed. AMPS assessments are typically conducted through direct observation during everyday activities, allowing therapists to detect subtle deficits that may not be obvious in traditional evaluations.
For residential care providers, these tools offer more than just clinical guidance—they offer a data-driven foundation for advocating or questioning certain care plans. If a therapist recommends 1-to-1 care or equipment upgrades, the provider can refer to FIM or AMPS results to assess whether the recommendation aligns with actual need. Conversely, if a provider is concerned about overstated assistance levels, these objective scores can provide a valid basis for seeking clarification or even challenging a recommendation.
In this way, FIM and AMPS serve both clinical and administrative purposes, supporting effective, accountable care for residents with the most complex needs.
Another Blog Post by Direct Care Training & Resource Center, Inc. Photos used are designed to complement the written content. They do not imply a relationship with or endorsement by any individual nor entity and may belong to their respective copyright holders.
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