The patient is independent, can take care of herself and go out alone. She therefore is not in the SEVERE DISABILITY category. She has resumed her volunteer work but at a reduced level, which means a GOS rating of MODERATE DISABILITY.
C. Upper Moderate:
Work capacity: Reduced
Social activities: Resumed less than half as often as pre-injury
Disruption or Strain: Frequent (once a week or more but tolerable)
Case Study 9: Upper Moderate Disability
D. Lower Moderate:
Work capacity: Unable to work or only able to work in sheltered workshop
Social activities: Unable or rarely to participate
Disruption or Strain: Constant (daily and intolerable)
Her family visits her a lot, but it appears her social activities have decreased and there is frequent but not constant strain. Upper Moderate on the GOS-E.
Case Study 9: Upper Moderate Disability
Additional Considerations:
For a retired person the occupational status can be evaluated by comparing the amount of volunteer work, if any, or household responsibilities pre and post-injury
It is important to differentiate the inability to resume activities from other situations that are not related to the TBI
Case Study 9: Upper Moderate Disability