Barthel Index Calculator ADL Score

What Is the Barthel Index?

The Barthel index measures independence in activities of daily living (ADL) across feeding, hygiene, continence, mobility, and stairs. It is widely used after stroke, in neurology, and in geriatric care. For related assessments, see the Aldrete Score Calculator alongside mobility and functional scores from your care team.

Scoring Overview

Ten items contribute up to 100 points. Transfers and mobility carry up to 15 points each; bathing and grooming up to 5; and feeding, dressing, continence, toilet use, and stairs up to 10. Higher totals indicate greater independence.

Score Interpretation

Scores from 80 to 100 suggest independence. Ranges of 60 to 79, 40 to 59, and 20 to 39 indicate increasing dependence, while scores below 20 suggest total dependence for daily activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good Barthel index score?

Scores of 80 or higher generally indicate independence in basic self-care and mobility tasks.

Who uses the Barthel index?

Clinicians use it at hospital discharge, rehabilitation visits, and long-term care assessments to track functional recovery.

How is mobility scored?

Patients who walk independently more than 50 yards, even with a walking aid, receive the maximum mobility points.

Does occasional incontinence reduce the score?

Occasional bowel incontinence (up to once weekly) or bladder incontinence (up to once daily) scores 5 points instead of 10 for that item.

Can the Barthel index guide discharge planning?

Yes. Lower scores help identify patients who may need home support, therapy, or skilled nursing after hospitalization.

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Barthel Index Calculator

What Is the Barthel Index?

Scoring Overview

Score Interpretation

Frequently Asked Questions

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