PROBLEM SOLVING

PROBLEM SOLVING: Problem Solving includes skills related to solving problems of daily living. This means making reasonable, safe, and timely decisions regarding financial, social, and personal affairs, as well as the initiation, sequencing, and self- correcting of tasks and activities to solve problems.

NO HELPER

7 Complete Independence—The patient consistently recognizes problems when present, makes appropriate decisions, initiates and carries out a sequence of steps to solve complex problems until the task is completed, and self-corrects if errors are made.

6 Modified Independence—In most situations, the patient recognizes a present problem, and with only mild difficulty makes appropriate decisions, initiates and carries out a sequence of steps to solve complex problems, or requires more than a reasonable time to make appropriate decisions or solve complex problems.

HELPER

5 Supervision—The patient requires supervision (e.g., cueing or coaxing) to solve less routine problems only under stressful or unfamiliar conditions, but no more than 10% of the time.

4 Minimal Direction—The patient solves routine problems 75 to 90% of the time.

3 Moderate Direction—The patient solves routine problems 50 to 74% of the time.

2 Maximal Direction—The patient solves routine problems 25 to 49% of the time. The patient needs direction more than half the time to initiate, plan, or complete simple daily activities, and may need restraint for safety.

1 Total Assistance—The patient solves routine problems less than 25% of the time. The patient needs direction nearly all the time, or does not effectively solve problems, and may require constant one-to-one direction to complete simple daily activities. The patient may need a restraint for safety.

Do not use code “0” for Problem Solving.

COMMENT: Examples of complex problem-solving includes activities such as managing a checking account, participating in discharge plans, self-administering medications, confronting interpersonal problems, and making employment decisions. Routine problem-solving includes successfully completing daily tasks or dealing with unplanned events or hazards that occur during daily activities. More specific examples of routine problems include asking for assistance appropriately during transfer, asking for a new milk carton if milk is sour or missing, unbuttoning a shirt before trying to put it on, and asking for utensils missing from a meal tray.