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geriatrics general-medicine

VES-13 — Vulnerable Elders Survey

13-item self-report screen for vulnerability in community-dwelling adults ≥65 (Saliba 2001). Higher score = greater functional decline / mortality risk. Score ≥3 indicates 4.2 times the risk of death or functional decline over 2 years.

Used in: Falls & Frailty

Age*

How would you rate your overall health?*

Difficulty stooping, crouching or kneeling*

Difficulty lifting / carrying ~10 lb (4.5 kg)*

Difficulty reaching arms above shoulder level*

Difficulty writing / handling small objects*

Difficulty walking quarter of a mile / 400 m*

Difficulty doing heavy housework*

Need help shopping for personal items*

Yes = gets help because of health or a physical condition, or does not do it because of health

Need help managing money*

Yes = gets help because of health or a physical condition, or does not do it because of health

Need help walking across the room*

Yes = gets help because of health or a physical condition, or does not do it because of health

Need help with light housework*

Yes = gets help because of health or a physical condition, or does not do it because of health

Need help bathing or showering*

Yes = gets help because of health or a physical condition, or does not do it because of health

Score interpretation

Low vulnerability 0–2

→ Routine care. Encourage exercise, social engagement, falls prevention. Re-screen if clinical change.

Vulnerable — high mortality / functional decline risk 3–10

→ CGA. In oncology setting, predicts treatment toxicity — adjust regimens. Onward referrals to community-frailty MDT, OT / physio, pharmacy review.

Interpretation bands for the VES-13. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.