An older adult client is being evaluated for admission to an assisted living facility. During the health assessment, the nurse implements which technique to determine the client's ability to reside in this environment?

A. Evaluate client for side effects of routine medications. While medication side effects can impact daily function, simply assessing for them does not determine the client's ability to live independently. Functional status assessment is more relevant for evaluating assisted living eligibility. B. Screen client for alcohol or controlled drug abuse. Substance abuse screening is important for overall health but does not directly assess the ability to perform daily activities needed for independent living in an assisted facility. C. Focus questions to evaluate long-term memory. Long-term memory assessment can help identify cognitive decline, but the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) is a more practical measure of whether the client can function independently in an assisted living environment. D. Instruct client to demonstrate activities of daily living. The ability to perform ADLs (e.g., bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility) is the key factor in determining if a client can reside in an assisted living facility. This assessment helps identify the level of support needed for daily function.