{"id":1717,"date":"2024-09-26T18:30:39","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T22:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/hcalabtheoryandpractice\/chapter\/levels-of-assistance-2\/"},"modified":"2024-10-01T19:25:08","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T23:25:08","slug":"levels-of-assistance","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/hcalabtheoryandpractice\/chapter\/levels-of-assistance\/","title":{"raw":"8.4 Levels of Assistance","rendered":"8.4 Levels of Assistance"},"content":{"raw":"Some client conditions result in a decreased ability to perform activities of daily living including one\u2019s ability to be mobile. Some clients may require assistance to move around in bed, or to transfer from bed to wheelchair or bed to stretcher. Others may need assistance to ambulate. Changing client positions in bed and mobilization are also vital to prevent contractures from immobility, maintain muscle strength, prevent pressure injury, and to help body systems function properly for optimal health and healing (Perry et al., 2018). The level of assistance each client will require depends on the client\u2019s previous health status, age, type of illness, and length of stay (Perry et al., 2018).\r\n

Levels of Assistance<\/h1>\r\nCommonly in acute and complex care settings, clients are assessed and assigned with a level of assistance designation. The [pb_glossary id=\"602\"]level of assistance[\/pb_glossary]\u00a0required is based on the client\u2019s ability to transfer, stand, and cooperate in care activities. Terms to describe different levels of assistance are one way for health care providers to communicate with each other how much and what kind of assistance is required.\r\n\r\nThe terms may differ from one institution to the next and as such it is the health care provider\u2019s responsibility is to know the correct terms in the institutions they are working in (South Island Alliance, n.d.). The level of assistance required is somewhat subjective can change over time. Thus, the need for constant reassessment\u00a0and communication by and among the health care team (South Island Alliance, n.d.).\r\n\r\nThe level of assistance should be documented so that health care providers can easily access the information. This might include the client\u2019s care plan, above the head of the bed, and\/or in the client\u2019s chart. Refer to the client's care plan to determine the level of assistance that is required. <\/strong>Table 8.2 describes general levels of assistance and the terminology sometimes used in hospital and community settings to describe them.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Table 8.4.1 General Levels of Assistance[footnote]Data sources: South Island Alliance, n.d.; Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), 2008; WorkSafeBC, 2006[\/footnote]<\/caption>\r\n
Level of Assistance Terminology<\/th>\r\nCriteria<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
\u00a0Independent<\/td>\r\nThe client:\r\n
    \r\n \t
  • Is able to transfer independently and safely.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Standby supervision \/ one-person assist<\/td>\r\nThe client:\r\n
    \r\n \t
  • Requires no physical assistance but may require verbal reminder.<\/li>\r\n \t
  • May also be learning to transfer independently using a wheelchair, walker, or cane.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Minimal assist \/ one-person assist<\/td>\r\nThe client:\r\n
    \r\n \t
  • Is cooperative and reliable but needs minimal physical assistance with the transfer.<\/li>\r\n \t
  • Requires minor physical exertion from health care worker during re-positioning, assisting to stand\/sit, and when ambulating.<\/li>\r\n \t
  • Can consistently fully weight bear when standing.<\/li>\r\n \t
  • Is able to perform 75% of the required activity on their own.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Two-person assist<\/td>\r\nThe client:\r\n
    \r\n \t
  • Requires more than minor physical assistance.<\/li>\r\n \t
  • Often needs equipment to assist with transfers or mobilization.<\/li>\r\n \t
  • Is able to perform 50% of the required activity on their own.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Total assist<\/td>\r\nThe client:\r\n