Low Dependency – People who need some support in the community and the more independent residents in residential accommodation who require little nursing care. They are usually independently mobile but may use a walking stick and have difficulty managing stairs.

Medium Dependency – People whose independence is impaired to the extent that they require residential care because the appropriate support and nursing care required cannot be provided by the community. Mobility is impaired to the extent that they require supervision or a walking aid.

High Dependency – People whose Independence is impaired to the extent that they require residential care but is not bed bound. They may have a combination of physical and mental disabilities, may be confused at times and be incontinent. They may need a walking aid and physical assistance to walk.

Maximum Dependency – People whose independence is impaired to the extent that they require nursing care. They are likely to be bed bound, require assistance with all aspects of physical care and may be ambulant but confused, disturbed and incontinent.