Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly
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About Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly
Scale Name
Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly
Author Details
A. H. Pattie and C. J. Gilleard
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly (CAPE) is a standardized assessment tool developed to evaluate both cognitive and behavioral impairments among elderly individuals, particularly those in long-term psychiatric or institutionalized care. The tool was designed to address the need for a comprehensive assessment of elderly patients’ cognitive functioning and daily behavioral competencies in order to guide care planning and support needs.
CAPE is structured around two key components: the Cognitive Assessment Scale (CAS) and the Behavior Rating Scale (BRS). The CAS provides direct testing of orientation, information recall, mental abilities, and psychomotor functioning, while the BRS evaluates observable behaviors and functional capacities as reported by caregivers or relatives. Together, these scales offer a balanced clinical profile, ranging from mild community-manageable impairments to severe dependency requiring institutional care.
CAPE’s classification system provides clear guidance to healthcare professionals regarding levels of support required, making it highly useful in clinical, community, and institutional contexts.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain an authorized copy of the Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly (CAPE).
- Explain the purpose of the tool, emphasizing its role in assessing cognitive and behavioral functioning in elderly individuals.
- Provide clear instructions to the participant (for CAS) and to the caregiver/relative (for BRS).
- Approximate administration time is 20–30 minutes, with CAS taking around 10–15 minutes and BRS around 10 minutes.
- Administer the Cognitive Assessment Scale through direct questioning and performance tasks, followed by completion of the Behavior Rating Scale by caregivers or staff familiar with the individual.
Reliability and Validity
The CAPE demonstrates strong psychometric properties, with the CAS effectively distinguishing between normal aging, dementia, and acute organic brain syndromes. Pattie and Gilleard (1975) suggested a CAS cutting-point of 8, below which individuals are generally classified as having dementia or significant cognitive impairment.
The BRS has been shown to reliably capture behavioral disturbances, apathy, communication deficits, and social functioning impairments. Both scales complement each other, providing convergent validity by integrating objective testing and informant-based ratings. Studies have supported the CAPE as a valid screening and monitoring tool for elderly populations, with consistent use in clinical and geriatric research contexts.
Available Versions
12-Items
Reference
Pattie, A. H., & Gilleard, C. J. (1979). Clifton assessment procedures for the elderly. British Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CAPE measure?
It measures cognitive functioning and behavioral impairments in elderly individuals, particularly those with dementia or psychiatric conditions.
Who completes the CAPE?
The Cognitive Assessment Scale (CAS) is completed with the patient, while the Behavior Rating Scale (BRS) is completed by caregivers or staff familiar with the patient.
How long does it take to administer?
On average, the CAPE takes about 20–30 minutes to complete.
What is the scoring system used in CAPE?
Scores are derived from both CAS and BRS, and then summarized into five dependency grades (A–E) to classify the level of impairment and support required.
Can CAPE be used in community settings?
Yes, CAPE is applicable both in community care and institutional settings, helping to determine appropriate levels of support for elderly individuals.
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