The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Motor Performance Inventory (MPI), a series of upper and lower extremity movements for predicting functional dependence and independence. A random sample of 197 persons, aged 65 and above, who resided in one of eight extended care facilities, were stratified as independent, assist (intermediate), or dependent using modified 1990 Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) operational criteria. A stepwise procedure yielded a five-task combination that accounted for 90% of the variance in functional level. The final model accurately predicted group membership 72% of the time.