How to assess loss of autonomy?

The law defines loss of autonomy or dependency as:

 

“The condition of a person who, despite the care they may receive, needs assistance to carry out essential daily activities or requires regular supervision.”

 

If a loved one experiences a loss of autonomy, you can contact the Gerontological Coordination Center of Monaco (CCGM).

 

Assessing the loss of autonomy is a key process for determining the level of assistance required for a person. This assessment can be conducted by the CCGM and is based on specific criteria to measure the physical, cognitive, and psychological abilities of the concerned individual.

 

The AGGIR Grid (Autonomy, Gerontology, Iso-Resources Group), used by the CCGM, helps determine the level of dependency for elderly individuals. The person is evaluated on 10 physical and mental activities (such as mobility, eating, bathing) and 7 domestic and social activities (managing finances, maintaining their home).

 

Individuals are classified into six groups (GIR 1 to GIR 6), with GIR 1 representing the most severe loss of autonomy and GIR 6 the mildest:

 

• GIR 1:

Persons confined to bed or a wheelchair, with severely impaired mental functions.

Or persons in the end stages of life requiring continuous assistance for essential daily activities.

• GIR 2:

Persons confined to bed or a wheelchair with partially impaired mental functions, requiring significant support for essential activities.

Or persons with impaired mental functions who can still move around.

• GIR 3:

Persons with preserved mental autonomy but whose physical capacities require multiple daily supports for essential activities, particularly bathing and dressing.

• GIR 4:

Persons able to move around independently but needing assistance for other activities such as bathing and dressing.

Or persons without mobility issues but requiring help with meals and transfers (e.g., getting up and going to bed).

• GIR 5:

Persons needing only occasional help for bathing, meals, or household chores.

They retain their independence for mobility.

• GIR 6:

Persons completely autonomous for essential daily activities.

This group includes those who only require help for domestic or household activities.

 

Consequences of the Evaluation

Orientation towards appropriate services: Depending on the degree of loss of autonomy, the person may receive home services, financial support (such as the Autonomy Allowance), or be placed in a specialized institution.

Personalized support plan: A plan is developed to organize the necessary assistance, whether it involves human help, technical aids, or home adaptations.

 

Importance of the Evaluation:

This evaluation is crucial to tailor the care and services to the real needs of the person, ensuring their safety, well-being, and enabling them to maintain a certain quality of life despite their loss of autonomy.