Functional Assessments
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP IN HELPING SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN
DIAGNOSED WITH A COGNITIVE PROBLEM?
You have a diagnosis, medications, some idea of what to expect. But, what happens now?
What kind of day-to-day assistance is needed?
What level of independence is safe?
These are difficult questions and the answers have a significant impact on the lives of patients, their families, and all caregivers.
If you are helping to provide care to a loved one and find yourself wondering:
— Can mom make financial decisions? 
— Will dad remember to take his medications?
— Will they know what to do in an emergency situation?
...This may be the service you and your loved one need.
Dr. Michelle Papka developed the concept of a Functional Assessment to aid patients and families in making these types of care planning decisions. This service includes direct assessment of the patient’s abilities in complex activities of daily living, also called instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and is designed to be concise, cost-efficient, and geared towards clinical care.
HOW CAN YOU RESOLVE THE UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDING CARE DECISIONS?
A Functional Assessment with Dr. Michelle Papka may provide the information you need to decide whether or not you or someone you love has the cognitive ability to:
• Make financial decisions
• Write/checks/use money
• Maintain a home
• Use public transportation
• Use a telephone
• Respond in an emergency situation
• Take medications independently
• Make decisions about medical care
Having the information from a Functional Assessment allows for recommendations r
egarding level of care needed and gives family members piece of mind about making these types of decisions.
What if I need documentation for legal proceedings? The goal of the Functional Assessment is to provide an efficient means by which to obtain information to guide care planning decisions. By itself, the Functional Assessment and related documentation is not intended to be used in Guardianship, Capacity, or other legal cases. However, if such services are needed, Dr. Papka is available to provide further consultation, evaluation, and documentation to serve these purposes.
A FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT INCLUDES:
Gathering and review of information about the patient: Prior to the first scheduled appointment, Dr. Papka will ask you to complete a questionnaire about the patient to aid in the evaluation process. By reviewing this information ahead of time, Dr. Papka will be better prepared to make optimal use of the meeting time.
Patient/family interview:
Dr. Papka will begin by meeting with the patient and, if the patient agrees, a family member or close friend. At this time, Dr. Papka will ask the patient to explain what has 
been happening in their life that has led to the Functional Assessment. With the patient’s permission, Dr. Papka will also ask for input from the family.
Direct assessment of functional abilities:
Using standardized testing, Dr. Papka will assess areas of functioning listed to the left, and recommend the level of care needed in each area.
Feedback session:
Dr. Papka will complete a standard checklist report and review test results and recommendations with the patient and family at a scheduled feedback session.
Consultations: Consultations are available as a supplementary service to the Functional Assessment, or as a stand-alone service if the comprehensive Functional Assessment testing is not desired. Dr. Papka is available on an hourly basis to help the patient and family with care planning decisions and to transition through roles, feelings, and conflicts.
Contact Dr. Papka for more information, or to make an appointment.