Where a life area includes a range of examples, (for example, domestic life includes cooking, cleaning and shopping), if a person requires assistance in more than one of these areas, record the highest level of assistance needed.

Where need for assistance varies markedly over time (for example, episodic psychiatric conditions), record the average level of assistance needed.

Animals used for personal mobility (for example, guide dogs and companion animals) are considered to be aids and/or equipment. Also included in this category are prosthetic and orthotic devices, wheelchairs, transfer devices, etc.

Activity is limited when an individual, in the context of a health condition, either has need for assistance in performing an activity in an expected manner, or cannot perform the activity at all.

CODE 1   Always/sometimes need help and/or supervision

This code is used when the person always needs or sometimes needs help or supervision in this life area.

CODE 2    Have difficulty, but don't need help/supervision

This code is used when the person has difficulty but does not need help or supervision in this life area.

CODE 3    Don't have difficulty, but use aids/equipment

This code is used when the person does not have difficulty in this life area, but uses aids and/or equipment.

CODE 4    Have no difficulty

This code is used when the person has no difficulty in this life area and does not need help or supervision and does not use aids or equipment.