Assist levels

Question 1

Levels of assistance

Answer 1

Independent – The patient can perform a transfer without any type of verbal or manual assistance.

Modified Independent – The patient may require verbal cues or uses assistive equipment or adaptive equipment (bed rail, grab bars, transfer board, furniture).

Assisted – The patient requires assistance from another person to perform the activity safely in an acceptable time frame; physical assistance, verbal or tactile cues, directions, or instructions may be used.

Standby (Supervision) Assistance – The patient requires verbal or tactile cues, directions, or instructions from another person positioned close to, but not touching, the patient to perform the activity safely and in an acceptable time frame; the assistant may provide protection in case the patient’s safety is threatened.

Contact Guarding – The caregiver is positioned close to the patient with his or her hands on the patient or a gait belt; it is very likely the patient will require protection during the performance of the activity.

Minimal Assistance – The patient performs ≥75% of the activity; assistance is required to complete the activity.

Moderate Assistance – The patient performs 50%–74% of the activity; assistance is required to complete the activity.

Maximal Assistance – The patient performs 25%–49% of the activity; assistance is required to complete the activity.

Dependent – The patient requires total physical assistance from one or more persons to accomplish the activity safely; special equipment or devices may be used.