The patient is completely dependent on outside help. He does, however, obey commands and can interact with his environment in a very limited way. He therefore is not in the VEGETATIVE STATEcategory, but in SEVERE DISABILITY.

E. Upper Severe:

Care: Does not require someone to be around at home most of the time (for at least 8-hours during the day, if necessary)

Travel: Unable to travel locally without assistance

Shopping: Unable to shop without assistance

Case Study 10: Lower Severe Disability

F. Lower Severe:

Care: Requires frequent help of someone to be around at home most of the time

As he requires full care around the clock he should be rated as LOWER SEVERE.

Additional Considerations:

Anyone who is capable of communicating with the environment in some sort of way, even if extremely restricted, is not in a VEGETATIVE STATE

Case Study 10: Lower Severe Disability