Staff evaluation of nursing home residentsʹ competence

Nursing home staff members frequently screen residents for competence, but the ability to assess competence has received limited attention. This study compared staff membersʹ competence assessments with residentsʹ (N = 100) mental status, measured by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), and examined information used by staff to evaluate residentsʹ competence. Staffersʹ evaluation of competence was significantly correlated with resident SPMSQ score. Staffers used information about orientation, alertness, and verbal function, with little consideration of decision making ability and mental status.