Daily living component activity 6 descriptor D (2 points)
Needs assistance to be able to dress or undress their lower body
Who it’s most likely to apply to
Daily living component activity 6 descriptor D’s most likely to apply to an individual who has needs relating to physical and/or cognitive conditions.
Who it may apply to
Daily living component activity 6 descriptor D may apply to individuals who are unable to dress or undress their lower body, even with the use of aids or appliances, and who require the physical assistance of another person to complete the activity.
Consider aids
You should consider aids that the individual could reasonably be expected to use, regardless of whether they do use them, before this descriptor is chosen.
Problems dressing the lower body
An individual with a lower back problem may have issues dressing their lower body.
If there were no restrictions present in grip and upper limb movement, it could be reasonable that they use a grip arm and shoe aids to dress their lower body. Mobility component activity 6 descriptor B may be considered appropriate.
Example: an individual with lumbar spondylosis who satisfies daily living component activity 6 descriptor D
Shaun has lumbar spondylosis, a narrowing and degeneration of the bones in the lower part of his spine.
Supporting information
He has a letter from his spinal doctor that states that he had a recent scan, and his condition is stable, but that the nerves in his back are being compressed and this causes significant pain when he bends forwards.
Application form
In his application form for ADP, Shaun states that he was previously able to bend forward slightly to use a shoehorn to put his shoes on, but now he is unable to bend at all and relies on his partner to pull his underwear and trousers over his feet and legs before he can pull them up.
He states that he cannot get socks on, even with a sock-puller because he is unable able to bend down far enough or bring his leg up high enough to use it.
As Shaun has a condition that affects his ability to move, he is unable to reliably reach to dress his lower body and relies on someone else to do this for him.
Case manager’s decision
The case manager determines that Shaun satisfies daily living component activity 6 descriptor D because he needs the assistance of another person to dress his lower body.