What is meant by "functional ability" in holistic assessment?

The concept of "functional ability" in holistic assessment specifically refers to an individual's capacity to perform activities of daily living, which includes basic self-care tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility. This assessment is vital in understanding how well a person can navigate their day-to-day life and maintain independence.

Functional ability encompasses both physical skills and the cognitive aspect of knowing how to manage daily tasks. It provides insight into a person’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Evaluating functional ability enables healthcare providers to tailor interventions, services, and support according to the individual's unique needs and capabilities.

In contrast, while the ability to perform complex cognitive tasks is important in understanding cognitive functioning, it does not encompass the broader scope of daily living activities that are captured by functional ability. Similarly, potential for physical rehabilitation focuses more on the capacity for improvement rather than current ability, and the assessment of emotional resilience is concerned with psychological aspects rather than tangible daily functioning.