top of page

Understanding the GIR scale: a key tool for assessing loss of independence in France

  • Writer: Margaux Réauté
    Margaux Réauté
  • Apr 18
  • 3 min read

As part of the European SIMPEC-T project, discussions between partners quickly highlighted a key question:

How can we assess the loss of independence among older people and tailor our responses accordingly?

Each country has its own tools. In France, one of the main frameworks is the GIR scale (Iso-Resource Group).

This article aims to provide a better understanding of how it works, its uses, and its role in the overall organisation of care.


A tool at the heart of the French healthcare and social services system


LThe GIR scale is used to assess an elderly person’s level of dependency, primarily in the context of allocating the Personalised Autonomy Allowance (APA).


It is based on an analysis of the person’s ability to perform essential activities of daily living:

  • moving around

  • washing

  • dressing

  • eating

  • communicating


Based on this assessment, the person is classified into one of the 6 GIR levels, ranging from complete independence to total dependency.


Beyond a simple classification, this tool primarily serves to determine support needs and guide the support measures to be put in place.


Placing the GIR framework within the individual’s journey


To fully understand its role, it is essential to view the GIR scale within the broader context of a person’s journey as their independence declines.

This process involves several stages:

  • identifying the first signs of frailty

  • a medical and social assessment (using the GIR scale)

  • arranging home care

  • moving towards more structured care solutions if necessary


The GIR scale therefore comes into play at a crucial stage: it guides decision-making and determines access to support services.


A 6-point scale for adjusting responses


GIR 5 and 6: independent or slightly frail

People classified as GIR 5 or 6 retain their overall independence. They may experience some difficulties, particularly with household tasks, but remain independent when it comes to essential activities.

At this stage, the focus is mainly on:

  • prevention

  • maintaining social connections

  • occasional home help


GIR 3 and 4: moderate dependency

People require regular assistance with certain daily activities, particularly those relating to mobility or personal hygiene.

They usually live at home, with:

  • personal carers (home care services)

  • home adaptations

  • structured support

The aim is to maintain independence for as long as possible.


GIR 1 and 2: severe to total dependency

These levels correspond to situations where the person requires constant assistance, or even full-time care.

Needs include:

  • assistance with all essential tasks

  • enhanced medical monitoring

  • adapted technical aids

In some cases, this leads to admission to a care home or to very intensive forms of support at home.


A tool for assessment… but also for coordination


The GIR scale is not merely used to measure a level of dependency.

It also serves as:


a common language among professionals (doctors, social workers, home helpers)

a coordination tool for organising care

a guide for families in understanding needs


It thus helps to bring together the medical, social and human aspects of care.


A platform for European trade


As part of the SIMPEC-T project, initial discussions between partners have enabled them to share the broad outlines of their national support systems for people experiencing a loss of independence. Several partners have highlighted the existence of schemes similar to the GIR scale in their countries, although the methods of assessment and organisation differ.


To deepen this understanding, each country is currently working on formalising a mapping of its own system. This work will serve as the basis for a comparative analysis during the project’s upcoming meetings.


Towards a better understanding of life courses


Understanding the GIR scale ultimately means gaining a better understanding of how a society organises its response to the loss of independence.


Beyond the tool itself, a whole approach to care is taking shape:

  • preventing dependency

  • supporting people to remain in their own homes

  • gradually adapting the support provided


These issues lie at the heart of the SIMPEC-T project, which aims to pool European experiences to develop more effective and more humane solutions.





 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page