Screening seniors for risk of functional decline: results of a survey in family practice.

To measure functional status, determine risk of functional decline and assess consistency between responses and standardized instruments.A mailed survey which measured functional impairment, recent hospitalization and bereavement. A positive response on at least one of these factors indicated that the individual was "at risk" for functional decline. A random sample (n = 73) of "at risk" subjects (specifically, family practice patients aged 70 and older) were assessed by a nurse.The response rate was 89% (369/415), 59% of seniors were female and the mean age was 77.1 (SD = 5.5) years. Self-reported risk, based on activities of daily living (ADLs), was associated with impairment in at least one basic ADL (p < 0.0005) using a standardized instrument. The positive predictive value of the survey for ADL impairment was 65%.Response to a mailed survey was high and self-reported ADL risks were consistent with findings from standardized assessment tools.