Master Functional Independence Measure (FIM) with Picmonic for Physical Therapy

The FIM is used for assessing dysfunction and is generally applied to populations experiencing functional mobility impairments, usually between the ages of 18-65+.
These impairments include stroke, spinal injuries, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.

The FIM measures an individual's level of independence in performing activities of daily living (ADLs), such as grooming, bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom, as well as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as managing finances, shopping, and housekeeping.

The FIM scale ranges from 18 to 126, with higher scores indicating greater functional independence. A score of 18 indicates complete dependence on others for all activities of daily living, while a score of 126 indicates complete independence in all activities.

Therefore, if an individual scores lower than 18 on the FIM scale, it indicates that they are completely dependent on others for all activities of daily living. This means that they require assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting and are unable to perform any of these tasks independently. Such a score indicates a severe level of disability and the need for extensive assistance and care.

The patient is fully independent and requires no assistance to complete a functional task.

The patient requires the use of a device but no physical help.

The patient requires only standby assistance or verbal prompting or help with set-up, cueing, and/or coaxing.

Requiring incidental hands-on help only. The subject performs more than 75% of the task.

The patient performs 50–75% of the task.

Patient participation is 25%-49%.

Patient participation is less than 25% of the effort, or the patient is unable to do the task. Score 1 if the subject does not perform the activity at all or if no information is available.