BIMS is a quick structured interview: the person repeats three words (sock, blue, bed), says the year, month and day, then recalls the words. It is part of the Minimum Data Set completed for nursing home residents.
How to use the BIMS Calculator
- Repetition of three words (first attempt)
- Reports the year
- Reports the month
- Reports the day of the week
- Recalls “sock”
- Recalls “blue”
- Recalls “bed”
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation.
Scoring table
| Item | Answers and points |
|---|---|
| Repetition of three words (first attempt) | Three = 3; Two = 2; One = 1; None = 0 |
| Reports the year | Correct = 3; Missed by 1 year = 2; Missed by 2–5 years = 1; Missed by more than 5 years or no answer = 0 |
| Reports the month | Accurate within 5 days = 2; Missed by 6 days to 1 month = 1; Missed by more than 1 month or no answer = 0 |
| Reports the day of the week | Correct = 1; Incorrect or no answer = 0 |
| Recalls “sock” | Yes, no cue = 2; Yes, after cue “something to wear” = 1; No = 0 |
| Recalls “blue” | Yes, no cue = 2; Yes, after cue “a colour” = 1; No = 0 |
| Recalls “bed” | Yes, no cue = 2; Yes, after cue “a piece of furniture” = 1; No = 0 |
Tips
- Assess on a typical day, not during an acute illness, unless the tool asks otherwise.
- Involve family or carers who know the person’s usual abilities.
- Repeat assessments regularly to track change.
- Use results to plan support, not to label people.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Scoring what the person could do rather than what they actually do.
- Ignoring hearing or vision problems during cognitive tests.
- Using a single score to decide care without a full assessment.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Repetition of three words (first attempt) | Choose one: Three, Two, One, None |
| Reports the year | Choose one: Correct, Missed by 1 year, Missed by 2–5 years, Missed by more than 5 years or no answer |
| Reports the month | Choose one: Accurate within 5 days, Missed by 6 days to 1 month, Missed by more than 1 month or no answer |
| Reports the day of the week | Choose one: Correct, Incorrect or no answer |
| Recalls “sock” | Choose one: Yes, no cue, Yes, after cue “something to wear”, No |
| Recalls “blue” | Choose one: Yes, no cue, Yes, after cue “a colour”, No |
| Recalls “bed” | Choose one: Yes, no cue, Yes, after cue “a piece of furniture”, No |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
Score = sum of the points for each item
Worked example
Inputs — Repetition of three words (first attempt): Three; Reports the year: Correct; Reports the month: Accurate within 5 days; Reports the day of the week: Correct; Recalls "sock": Yes, no cue; Recalls "blue": Yes, after cue "a colour"; Recalls "bed": Yes, no cue.
Results — BIMS score = 14 / 15; Cognition = Cognitively intact.
Key terms
- MDS
- Minimum Data Set (US nursing home assessment).
Frequently asked questions
What BIMS score is normal?
13–15 means cognitively intact.
Is BIMS a dementia test?
No – it is a screening tool; a full assessment is needed for a diagnosis.
Can BIMS be done if the person cannot speak?
No – staff complete an observational assessment instead.