Choosing a descriptor using a process of elimination

Application form

For daily living component activity 4 (washing and bathing) an individual states that they need help in the shower due to a restriction in movement in both legs. They need assistance to wash their lower half but are able to wash their upper body.

Supporting information

The supporting information provided leans towards the individual being able to use aids to wash their lower half, but this is all the information the case manager has.

Case manager actions

Using this method, we can work through the descriptors and eliminate any that we know are not applicable.

• Descriptor A is unlikely to apply as the supporting information confirms that the individual has a difficulty in completing the activity.
• Descriptor B may apply as the supporting information suggests the use of aids may be sufficient for the individual to complete the activity.
• Descriptor C is unlikely to apply as this relates to safety and no safety risk has been identified.
• Descriptor D may apply as it relates to washing hair or body below waist, which has been reported by the individual.
• Descriptor E may apply as this descriptor relates to physical assistance and this is what the individual describes.
• Descriptor F is unlikely to apply as the individual reports that they only require help to wash the lower half of their body.
• Descriptor G is unlikely to apply as the individual reports that they are involved in washing themselves.

We have reduced the choice down to between three descriptors – descriptor B, descriptor D or descriptor E.

We can now use this method to focus our request for supporting information. We can ask for information from the person who is most likely to be involved in these aspects of the individual’s care (i.e. someone who assists the individual with washing and bathing).