Karnofsky Scale
In order to objectively document a patient’s clinical needs, the Karnofsky Scale is a tool that assesses one’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). If a patient’s ADL is lower than 70%, he or she is most often eligible for hospice care.
| Description of Function/Activities/Needs | Index | |
| Normal, no complaints; no evidence of disease | 100% | |
| Able to carry on normal activity; minor signs of disease | 90% | |
| Normal activity with effort; some signs of symptoms of disease | 80% | |
| Cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or to do active work | 70% | |
| Requires occasional assistance but is able to care for most of own needs | 60% | |
| Requires considerable assistance with ADLs and frequent medical care | 50% | |
| Disabled; requires special care and maximum assistance | 40% | |
| Severely disabled, although death not imminent | 30% | |
| Gravely ill; unable to swallow; totally dependent | 20% | |
| Actively dying | 10% | |
| Death |