In healthcare, impairment refers to any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function. It encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities effectively.
Disability refers to a limitation in performing activities of daily living due to impairment. It can result from physical, cognitive, sensory, or mental health impairments.
Functional limitation describes the extent to which an impairment affects an individual’s ability to perform specific tasks or activities. It assesses the impact of impairment on functional abilities.
ADLs are basic self-care tasks essential for daily functioning, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Impairments may affect an individual’s ability to perform one or more ADLs independently.
IADLs are more complex tasks necessary for independent living, such as meal preparation, housekeeping, managing finances, and using transportation. Impairments can hinder the ability to perform these tasks effectively.
Functional assessment involves evaluating an individual’s ability to perform ADLs, IADLs, and other activities to determine the impact of impairment on daily functioning. It helps in developing tailored intervention plans.
Rehabilitation aims to optimize functioning and minimize disability through interventions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and vocational training. It focuses on enhancing independence and quality of life.
Assistive devices are tools or technologies designed to help individuals with impairments perform tasks more easily or independently. Examples include wheelchairs, hearing aids, mobility aids, and adaptive software.
A barrier-free environment eliminates physical, architectural, communication, and attitudinal barriers that hinder the participation of individuals with impairments. It promotes accessibility and inclusion in healthcare settings and the community.
Universal design involves designing products, environments, and services to be usable by people of all abilities without the need for adaptation or specialized design. It emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility for everyone, regardless of impairment.