What does the term "functional assessment" refer to?

The term "functional assessment" refers specifically to an evaluation that measures a client's everyday activity performance. This type of assessment focuses on how well individuals can perform daily activities and tasks that are essential for their overall functioning and quality of life. It is designed to assess the client's capability to engage in their routines and participation in meaningful occupations.

Functional assessments consider various aspects such as mobility, self-care, social interaction, and the ability to manage life tasks, reflecting a holistic view of an individual’s abilities and challenges. This approach is critical in occupational therapy as it guides the development of interventions that support clients in improving their daily living skills and achieving greater independence.

In contrast, assessments focused solely on cognitive abilities, occupational skills, or physical health status do not capture the full scope of how a person functions in daily life, making option B the most comprehensive and relevant choice in the context of functional assessment.