Barthel Index — activities of daily living

Interpretation

The index covers 10 activities with a total of 0–100 points (in steps of 5). Higher scores mean greater independence. This calculator uses the bands from Polish medical records: 0–20 severe, 21–85 moderate and 86–100 slight dependence. In Poland a score of 40 or less is one criterion for admission to long-term care. Other bandings exist, e.g. 0–20 total, 21–60 severe, 61–90 moderate, 91–99 slight dependence (Shah et al.).

How to score

• Score what the patient actually does, not what they could do.
• The assessment usually covers the last 24–48 hours.
• Using aids (stick, frame) still counts as independent if no other person is needed.
• Supervision or prompting by another person means the patient is not fully independent.

Sources

1. Mahoney FI, Barthel DW. Functional evaluation: the Barthel Index. Md State Med J 1965;14:61–65.
2. Obwieszczenie Ministra Zdrowia z 12 lutego 2026 r. w sprawie jednolitego tekstu rozporządzenia w sprawie świadczeń gwarantowanych z zakresu świadczeń pielęgnacyjnych i opiekuńczych w ramach opieki długoterminowej (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 250), zał. nr 2 i 3. eli.gov.pl
3. Shah S, Vanclay F, Cooper B. Improving the sensitivity of the Barthel Index for stroke rehabilitation. J Clin Epidemiol 1989;42(8):703–709. doi.org