Functional independence refers to an individual's ability to perform daily activities without assistance. This concept is often used in healthcare and rehabilitation settings to assess a person's capacity to manage tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. It is crucial for determining the level of care a person may need and for planning rehabilitation strategies. In the context of aging or disability, functional independence can significantly impact quality of life. Tools like the Barthel Index or Functional Independence Measure (FIM) are commonly used to evaluate a person's functional abilities. Maintaining or improving functional independence is a key goal in therapies and interventions.