Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) Calculator
The Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) is a standardized, validated tool used to assess the mobility, balance, and transfer abilities of older adults, particularly those who are frail or have declining functional capacity.
By evaluating how well someone can perform common daily tasks, the EMS can help clinicians and caregivers identify the level of support or interventions needed to maintain independence and promote overall wellbeing.
How Does This Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) Calculator Work?
This calculator is designed to quickly estimate the EMS score based on seven functional tasks: lying to sitting, sitting to lying, sitting to standing, standing, gait, timed walk, and functional reach. Users simply select the description that best matches the patient's ability for each item, then click “Calculate EMS Score.” The sum of these values gives the total EMS score.
Score Interpretation
EMS scores range from 0 to 20. Higher scores indicate better mobility, while lower scores suggest greater dependence. Clinically, thresholds are used to determine levels of care:
- 14 - 20: Generally independent in basic ADLs, may need minimal help or supervision.
- 10 - 13: Borderline independence, needs some level of assistance or supervision.
- 0 - 9: Requires significant help for most ADLs and is dependent on long-term care.
Factors Affecting Mobility
Numerous factors can influence an older adult’s mobility, including muscle strength, balance, endurance, and joint health. Other considerations, such as cognitive status, confidence in performing daily tasks, environmental barriers, and social support, also play a crucial role in maintaining and improving mobility levels.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
ADLs refer to the essential, routine tasks that most people do every day without assistance, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and feeding. As mobility decreases, performance of ADLs can be compromised, leading to increased dependence on caregivers or assistive devices. In addition to basic ADLs, there are instrumental ADLs (IADLs) that require more complex skills, such as managing finances, shopping, housework, and transportation.