Repeatedly

What this test considers

This test looks at an individual’s ability to repeat an activity when reasonably required. To carry out an activity ‘repeatedly’ means to be able to carry it out as often as it’s reasonably required to be completed (ADP Regs, Reg 7(2)(a)(iii) and (3)(c)).

Consider frequency

For some activities it may be reasonable to assume that the individual would be required to carry it out more than once per day (for example, activity 2 taking nutrition and activity 5 managing toilet needs) and where they are not able to do this a high descriptor may be considered to be appropriate for the respective activities.

How often the client needs to complete each activity is not specified.

Consideration should be given to how often a non-disabled person would usually be expected to complete each activity in a day.

For example, it is reasonable to expect an individual to have to prepare food (daily living component activity 1 Preparing food) two or three times a day. 

But it would not be reasonable for an individual to be required to wash and bathe more than once a day (daily living component activity 4 Washing and bathing). 

Consider lack of ability linked to condition

When considering this test you should be clear that the lack of ability to repeat an activity is linked to the individual’s condition and is not a choice.

For example, some individuals may choose to only shower once or twice a week, whereas others want to shower daily.

It can be difficult to determine whether the way an individual does something is a personal preference or due to their disability, especially if they have been disabled for all, or the majority, of their life.

Focussing on whether there is any reason related to their disability or condition why a client undertakes an activity a certain number of times is the appropriate way to understand whether they’re able to repeat the activity as often as required.

Some individuals may need to complete an activity more frequently as a result of a condition or disability. For example, an individual with a bowel condition may need to go to the toilet frequently throughout the day.

You should consider whether it is reasonable for the individual to complete the activity more frequently as a result of their condition or disability, and if so, how often. It should then be considered whether or not the individual is able to complete the activity that number of times.

Consider ability to repeat activity

Where the act of completing the activity leads to the individual being unable to repeat the activity (where reasonably expected to do so) they’re unlikely to be considered able to complete the task repeatedly and a higher descriptor may be more appropriate.

For example, an individual can prepare their breakfast, but the exertion of doing so leaves them exhausted and they’re unable to prepare their lunch as a result.

It’s reasonable to expect someone who has made breakfast to be able to prepare a meal again by lunchtime and so the individual cannot be considered able to complete the activity repeatedly.

Consider if task can be repeated on subsequent days

As well as considering whether tasks can be repeated within a day, consideration should also be given to whether an individual is able to repeat a task on subsequent days.

For example an individual may be able to fulfil the ‘moving around’ criteria one day, but the exertion of doing so means they’re unable to do so the following day. This individual would therefore not be able to repeatedly complete the activity.

When considering repeatability over longer periods of days and weeks, you should consider which descriptor applies on the majority of days in that period (ADP Regs, Reg 10(1)(a)).

Consider impact of activity

The impact on the client of completing the activity should be considered when determining whether an activity can be carried out repeatedly, such as whether it causes them pain, fatigue and breathlessness.

While these symptoms may not necessarily stop the client from carrying out the activity in the first instance, they may be an indication that it cannot be done as often as is reasonably required.