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Independent Living Scale

Independent Living Scale

Daily Monitoring of Skill Acquisition

At CNS, the goal for each of our patients is lifelong independence. Overcoming deficits and mastering life skills is the foundation of our treatment philosophy. The Independent Living Scale (ILS) is a powerful treatment tool that CNS utilizes to measure a patient’s skill level in core areas of capability. Below are some of the categories that are monitored:

Daily Living Responsibilities

  • Meal preparation, safe use of utensils
  • Cooking, cleaning, doing laundry
  • Shopping
  • Time management; develop and organize daily routine
  • Budgeting and money management
  • Making and keeping appointments
  • Correct phone use


Behavior

  • Appropriate language, actions and community interaction
  • Effective communication and behavior with the family
  • Non-compliance/avoidance
  • Sleep behavior and sleep routine
  • Following directions
  • Lack of initiation

Self Care

  • Dressing
  • Hygiene and grooming
  • Toileting practices
  • Medication administration

 

Safety

  • Safe use of household materials and appliances
  • Locking doors
  • Setting alarms
  • Kitchen safety
  • Correct method of crossing streets with signals
  • Entering/exiting vehicles safely
  • Correct use of public transportation

Another key feature of the ILS is to collect quantifiable information on patient progress, which helps direct resources that may be required upon the patient’s return to life after injury. The ILS also helps clinicians, insurers, family members and conservators to:

  • Follow progress and celebrate patient milestones
  • Track medication changes and shifts in behavior
  • Modify and customize the treatment plan based on patient progress and need
  • Substantiate the need for more services or therapy, either during rehabilitation or post-discharge

 

The ILS and Rebuilding Capabilities
CNS is unique in the depth and detail of ILS tracking and its use in guiding treatment planning. The level of resource commitment required to record and measure patient progress is specific to CNS, as dedicated, trained staff are required to collect and synthesize data. This speaks to the level of care we provide and distinguishes CNS from many other providers.

The goal at CNS is to foster independence, greater autonomy and self-sufficiency for all patients, and the
ILS is crucial in reaching those objectives. As ILS data is recorded and analyzed, it is shared with the family to give an overview of progress, while helping them prepare for the future.

Since CNS’ inception in 1980, we have helped thousands of people overcome the challenges of traumatic brain injury. For us, family support is a priority on this journey of recovery and has been an essential part of our philosophy from the beginning.

Centre for Neuro Skills

The data in the chart above tracks a patient’s ILS scores over a 26-week period. Total ILS score progresses from an admission low of 57.0 to a discharge score of 94.8. Initiation percentage improved from 72.5% to 89.74%. Behavior improved from 27.2 to 30. Activities of Daily Living scores improved from 23.2 to 56.7.