Analyzing 326 geriatric burn patients, researchers found that dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs) increased in-hospital mortality odds five-fold, while instrumental ADL dependence doubled post-acute care placement odds. Each 1% increase in total body surface area burned raised mortality odds by 7% and post-acute care odds by 12-19%. Inhalation injury and renal insufficiency independently predicted both poor outcomes, while respiratory comorbidities specifically increased mortality risk. This research addresses a critical gap in burn care prognostication for aging populations, who face unique vulnerabilities beyond traditional severity metrics. The distinction between basic ADL dependence predicting death versus instrumental ADL dependence predicting care needs offers clinically actionable insights for treatment planning. However, this retrospective study from a single timeframe cannot establish causation, and the relatively modest sample size may limit generalizability across diverse geriatric populations. As a preprint awaiting peer review, these findings require validation before clinical implementation. The work represents an important step toward personalized burn care that recognizes functional status as equally relevant to anatomical damage in determining outcomes for older adults.