Functional Cognition Performance Assessment

Observed performance assessment for documenting how cognition affects completion of real-world kitchen and executive function tasks, including initiation, organization, sequencing, safety awareness, and judgment.

Assessment Setup and Safety

• Assessment purpose and task selected are documented
  Record the real-world task(s) selected for observation and the reason for assessment.
• Environment is safe and appropriate for observation
  Workspace is free of immediate hazards, with adequate lighting, stable surfaces, and no unsafe distractions.
• Required materials and tools are available
  All items needed to complete the selected task are present and accessible.
• PPE or adaptive equipment used as indicated
  Document whether gloves, mobility aids, adaptive utensils, timers, or other supports were used.
• Baseline level of assistance established
  Select the highest level of assistance anticipated at task start.

Task Initiation and Planning

• Initiates task within a reasonable time
  Assesses whether the person begins without excessive delay, refusal, or repeated prompting.
• Identifies task goal and required steps
  Demonstrates understanding of what needs to be completed and the general plan.
• Organizes materials before starting
  Observes whether items are gathered and arranged in a logical order before task execution.
• Requires cues to begin or continue
  Select the highest level of cueing needed during initiation and early planning.
• Plans sequence before acting
  Shows evidence of mentally or verbally organizing the order of steps before starting.

Sequencing and Task Execution

• Completes steps in logical order
  Observe whether steps are completed in a correct and efficient sequence.
• Maintains task set without losing place
  Does not repeatedly forget the current step or abandon the task midstream.
• Completes task with minimal errors
  Rates the frequency and impact of errors such as omissions, reversals, or incorrect actions.
• Self-corrects errors when recognized
  Identifies and corrects mistakes without external intervention when possible.
• Completes task within expected time
  Record the observed completion time in minutes.

Safety Awareness, Judgment, and Problem-Solving

• Recognizes and avoids immediate safety hazards
  Includes awareness of heat, sharp objects, spills, appliance use, and unsafe reach or posture.
• Uses safe judgment with appliances, heat, or sharp tools
  Observe whether decisions reflect safe use of kitchen equipment and tools.
• Responds appropriately to unexpected changes or errors
  Examples include missing ingredients, misplaced items, or a change in instructions.
• Requests help when needed
  Asks for assistance at an appropriate time rather than persisting unsafely or becoming stuck.
• Demonstrates awareness of personal limits
  Select the best description of insight into limitations affecting task performance.

Task Completion, Assistance Level, and Observations

• Overall task completion status
  Select the final outcome of the observed task.
• Highest level of assistance required
  Document the most support needed at any point during the task.
• Behavioral observations
  Record relevant observations such as frustration tolerance, attention, persistence, distractibility, or impulsivity.
• Recommendations and follow-up
  Document suggested supports, supervision needs, therapy recommendations, or environmental modifications.