0
Understands
if the resident clearly comprehends the message(s) and
demonstrates comprehension by words or actions/behaviors.
DiraChart MDS item reference
B0800Section Bv1.20.1Manual page B-8
Ability to Understand Others
Item Rationale
Quick coding
Answer Codes
Use the item-specific response choices below when structured codes apply.
Response format: Coded response
1
Usually understands
if the resident misses some part or
2
Sometimes understands
if the resident demonstrates frequent difficulties
integrating information, and responds adequately only to simple and direct questions or
3
Rarely/never understands
if the resident demonstrates very limited ability to understand communication. Or, if staff have difficulty determining whether or
not the resident comprehends messages, based on verbal and nonverbal responses. Or, the
resident can hear sounds but does not understand messages.
Item-specific instructions
Coding Guidance
Review what the item asks, how to choose the response, and what should be verified before submission.
Steps for Assessment
1.
Assess in the resident’s preferred language or preferred
method of communication.
2.
If the resident uses a hearing aid, hearing device or other
communications enhancement device, the resident should
use that device during the evaluation of the resident’s
understanding of person-to-person communication.
3.
Interact with the resident and observe their understanding
of other’s communication.
4.
Consult with direct care staff over all shifts, if possible, the resident’s family, and speech-
language pathologist (if involved in care).
5.
Review the medical record for indications of how well the resident understands others.
Coding Instructions
•
Code 0, understands: if the resident clearly comprehends the message(s) and
demonstrates comprehension by words or actions/behaviors.
•
Code 1, usually understands: if the resident misses some part or intent of the
message but comprehends most of it. The resident may have periodic difficulties
integrating information but generally demonstrates comprehension by responding in
words or actions.
•
Code 2, sometimes understands: if the resident demonstrates frequent difficulties
integrating information, and responds adequately only to simple and direct questions or
DEFINITION
ABILITY TO
UNDERSTAND OTHERS
Comprehension of direct
person-to-person
communication whether
spoken, written, or in sign
language or Braille. Includes
the resident’s ability to
process and understand
language. Deficits in one’s
ability to understand
(receptive communication
deficits) can involve declines
in hearing, comprehension
(spoken or written) or
recognition of facial
expressions.
B0800: Ability to Understand Others (cont.)
instructions. When staff rephrase or simplify the message(s) and/or use gestures, the
resident’s comprehension is enhanced.
•
Code 3, rarely/never understands: if the resident demonstrates very limited
ability to understand communication. Or, if staff have difficulty determining whether or
not the resident comprehends messages, based on verbal and nonverbal responses. Or, the
resident can hear sounds but does not understand messages.
MDS item matrixAssessment Applicability
See where this item applies across Nursing Home, Swing Bed, discharge, required-use, OBRA, and program or policy columns.
11 relationships5 groups+
Assessment Applicability
See where this item applies across Nursing Home, Swing Bed, discharge, required-use, OBRA, and program or policy columns.
Nursing Home Subsets
Swing Bed Subsets
OBRA Stand Alone Assessments
Program and Policy Use
Item Subset Required Use ISC Skip Patterns
Official CMS source
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Reference details
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