Practice area
Skilled Nursing
Section GG coding, functional scoring, and transfer references for SNF practice.
Assessment norms
Grip Strength (Jamar Dynamometer)
Normative grip strength values for adults measured with a Jamar hydraulic dynamometer, by age group and sex.
Nine-Hole Peg Test
Timed finger dexterity test: place and remove nine pegs as fast as possible. Adult norms by sex and hand from Mathiowetz et al., 1985.
Box and Block Test
Gross manual dexterity: blocks moved over a partition in 60 seconds. Adult norms by age group and sex from Mathiowetz et al., 1985.
ROM norms
Shoulder ROM
Normal shoulder range of motion values per AAOS, with the functional ranges that everyday tasks actually require.
Elbow and Forearm ROM
Normal elbow flexion-extension and forearm rotation values per AAOS, with the classic Morrey functional arc.
Wrist and Hand ROM
Normal wrist, thumb, and finger range of motion values per AAOS, with notes on where published finger norms differ.
Hip, Knee, and Ankle ROM
Normal lower extremity range of motion values per AAOS, with the functional ranges that transfers, stairs, and sit-to-stand require.
Cervical and Thoracolumbar ROM
Normal cervical and thoracolumbar spine range of motion values per AAOS, with driving and ADL context.
No-kit tests
Timed Up and Go
no kitTimes a stand, 3-meter walk, turn, and return to sitting. A fast, equipment-light screen of functional mobility and fall risk.
30-Second Sit-to-Stand
no kitCounts full stands in 30 seconds. A lower-body strength and endurance measure from the Senior Fitness Test battery.
Five Times Sit-to-Stand
no kitTimes five full stands as fast as safely possible. A quick measure of transitional lower-body strength and fall risk.
Functional Reach Test
no kitMeasures how far a person can reach forward without stepping. A single-item standing balance and fall-risk screen using only a wall and a ruler.
Single-Leg Stance Test
no kitTimes how long a person can balance on one leg. A static balance screen needing only a stopwatch.
SNF toolkit
Section GG Scoring Scale
The six-level performance scale (06 to 01) and the four activity-not-attempted codes used across all Section GG items.
GG0130 Self-Care Items
The Section GG self-care items scored on the MDS in skilled nursing facilities, with the activity each item covers.
GG0170 Mobility Items
The Section GG mobility items scored on the MDS in skilled nursing facilities: bed mobility, transfers, walking distances, stairs, and wheelchair use.
Caregiver handouts
Hip Precautions (Posterior Approach)
Plain-language movement precautions commonly taught after posterior-approach hip replacement, for patients and caregivers.
Helping With Safe Transfers
Caregiver basics for helping someone move safely between bed, chair, toilet, and car without injuring either person.
Energy Conservation: The 4 Ps
Plain-language energy conservation strategies for people managing fatigue from heart, lung, or other chronic conditions.
Home Fall-Safety Checklist
A room-by-room checklist of the most common home fall hazards and their fixes, for families preparing a home after illness or surgery.