Lending Physical Help to Your Child

Here is a list of words that we will use to describe how much help your child needs from you to complete tasks like walking, eating and playing. This list will help you understand your child’s progress while on the Rehab Unit and when they go home.

Term Means
Complete Independence Your child completes the task without any help.
Modified Independence Your child completes the task without help but may need a device, take extra time, or there are concerns about safety.
Supervision or Set-Up Your child completes the entire activity, but needs verbal prompting, cueing, supervision or set-up.
Stand by Guard Your child completes the entire activity with you standing an arm’s length away from them.
Contact Guard Your child completes the entire activity with your hand on them lightly for safety.
Minimal Assistance Your child completes 75% to 99% or most of the activity.
Moderate Assistance Your child completes 50% to 74% - half or more of the activity.
Maximal Assistance Your child completes 25% to 49% or less than half of the activity.
Total Assistance Your child completes less than 25% or little of the activity.

Keeping an eye on your child

Here is a list of words that we will use to talk about how to watch your child to keep them safe.

Term Means
Independence Your child only needs supervision that is appropriate for their age.
Situational/Intermittent Supervision Your child can sometimes do the task alone, but may need help if they are tired, in a crowd, or in a new place.
Visual Supervision Keep an eye on your child at all times, because they may need help to be safe.
One-to-One Supervision Stay close by your child at all times, never turning your back or leaving your child alone.

To Learn More

Free Interpreter Services

  • In the hospital, ask your nurse.
  • From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
Seattle Children's Hospital

Seattle Children’s offers free interpreter services for patients, family members and legal representatives who are deaf or hard of hearing or speak a language other than English. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your healthcare provider.

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12/01/2024
PE1178
Patient and Family Education | Rehabilitation Medicine