Arranging care for a loved one usually begins with a care needs assessment, a collaborative process involving the individual, their family and relevant care professionals. This might sound like a formal exam, but it’s actually a way to ensure we understand exactly what support a person might need to remain safe, comfortable and well.
Arranging care for a loved one usually begins with a collaborative process involving the individual, their family, and care professionals, known as a care needs assessment.
That doesn’t mean just considering a future resident’s age or health diagnosis, but how they can manage independently during everyday tasks, which helps us recommend the level of support that best matches their circumstances.
Importantly, a residential care assessment takes into account what matters most to the individual and their loved ones, so the outcomes and suggestions we provide will always be tailored to their preferences and needs.
Why Care Needs Are Often Misunderstood
Families might often have never experienced a residential care assessment before, and as this is an unfamiliar process, there is no expectation they will know what to expect. For many, their initial thought may be that care needs are all about:
- How old the person is
- Their health
- Whether they can walk
- Diagnoses such as dementia
These factors are, of course, relevant, but the assessment reviews how these things impact day-to-day living and quality of life. Rather than deciding on a care plan based on age, we’ll look at ability and independence. If a person has a medical diagnosis, we’ll want to know how symptoms are affecting their wellbeing.
Likewise, if families have mobility concerns, we’ll review their safety and fall risk. In just the same way, if an individual is having difficulties with their memory, we’ll talk about how that affects their decision-making and need for emotional support.
What a Care Assessment Actually Looks At
We’ve touched on the inclusions in a nursing care assessment but have shared a little more detail below to give you an idea about the questions we might ask.
Cognition
Are there any changes in the person’s memory, decision-making and orientation? Do they sometimes forget where they are, neglect to take medications or experience feelings of confusion and anxiety?
Continence
What level of personal care support do they need with using the bathroom, and skin integrity? How can we provide that assistance whilst protecting their comfort and dignity?
Behaviour and Wellbeing
Is a loved one often anxious or distressed? Is this impacting the way they communicate with friends and family, or the level of social engagement they’re able to enjoy?
Risk Management
What risks or concerns does our care planning need to address? Do they involve falls, poor nutrition, pressure sores, missed medications, or a potential need for an emergency response?
Why Underestimating Care Can Cause Breakdowns
If a person requires nursing care or support in a residential care home, and they don’t receive the right level of care, or if their support isn’t based on a bespoke care plan, there can be serious ramifications. This is why detailed plans are such a vital aspect of organising person-centred care, with possible outcomes of:
- Preventable falls
- Medication errors
- Avoidable hospital admissions
- Stress for family members
- A reduction in independence
With this in mind, the aim of a care assessment isn’t to recommend the highest and most involved level of care, but the structure that is appropriate, respectful, and balanced against each person’s needs.
How Care Needs Are Reviewed Over Time
An initial care home placements assessment considers the needs and wishes of each individual at that point in time, but that doesn’t mean care planning is permanent, or that it will remain relevant for any particular duration.
As a couple of examples, care requirements may often change depending on the reason for the individual requiring care:
- A person needing respite after surgery may benefit from physical rehabilitation care services to support their full recovery and may then feel confident and independent enough to return home.
- Another resident with dementia may have progressive symptoms, in which case their care plans may need to be reviewed regularly or at any time anything changes, ensuring extra support is provided as needed.
Care plans aren’t fixed, and families and loved ones can assist in updating care planning by sharing any observations they may have made, which could indicate that a revised care plan would be beneficial.
What Families Should Ask During an Assessment
We welcome families to ask as many questions as they would like, but it could be helpful to bring a list of queries with you, or to have this ready at home, to ensure you get the answers you need before any care arrangements go ahead. Families often ask:
- What risks the care manager or coordinator has identified, and how they plan to manage them.
- The daily tasks they believe the person requires support with, and how that help will be provided.
- Which things their loved one might be able to continue doing independently.
- How often the care plan will be reviewed, or in what circumstances.
- Whether care levels are expected to change over time.
- How families and friends can stay involved with their loved one’s care and care planning.
- How changing care needs are managed and whether the centre can continue to meet those needs.
All questions are welcome, and we encourage open, transparent conversations, whether around specific care needs, the costs of residential and nursing care services, or how care teams will be proactive about protecting the wellbeing and happiness of a prospective resident.
How to Find More Information About Care Needs Assessments
Care needs assessments aren’t tests but processes that we use to build care plans that reflect the routines, preferences, health and personality of each resident.
Taking the time to get to know each person properly, rather than just focusing on their age or medical status, makes it significantly easier to recommend the type of support that will promote safety and quality of life.
If you are unsure whether a loved one would benefit from residential nursing or respite care services, or would like an informal chat with one of our team about how care assessments work, you are welcome to get in touch with your nearest Forest Healthcare centre, and we’ll be happy to help.