How is the Total Problems score used?

Answer: The Total Problems score provides a global index of the older adult’s overall level of problems, as seen by the respondent. We have found that the Total Problems T score of 60 provides a good cutpoint for discriminating between clinically referred and nonreferred older adults (see Chapter 2 for details of cutpoints). The Total Problems score can also be used to make global comparisons of different groups and to evaluate whether older adults’ functioning is remaining the same, improving, or worsening. This is especially useful for answering questions about whether older adults are deteriorating, whether stresses or medical problems are followed by worsening or recovery, and whether interventions are stabilizing or improving functioning.