What is a Care Assessment?

Most Home Care providers will perform a care assessment and propose a care plan before beginning service. A Care assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a person's mental and physical health, as well as their general quality of life. These care assessments can be done at different points in the aging process, but are typically performed at such a point where a different level of care may be necessary due to injury, progression of a health condition or the growing inability to perform basic daily tasks.

The primary object of a care assessment is to examine the current care that a patient is receiving and ensure that it is adequate, appropriate, and effective.

A Care Assessment usually evaluates the following:

• Physical and mental health
• Ability to perform daily functions such as bathing and meal preparation
• Safety of the current living quarters
• Accessibility of support network

The person performing the assessment will ask questions regarding daily activities, nutrition, medication, depression, and finances. The assessment may be done with a family member present, but some seniors may be reluctant to burden their families with the realities of their situation. If the patient suffers from Alzheimer's or memory loss, a family member may wish to meet with the person performing the assessment separately to help supplement some of the information given. After the assessment, a report is provided that details the current status as well as recommendations for future care.

A care assessment is especially beneficial to families overseeing the care of an older relative. Having expert advice can help families make an objective decision regarding long term care. It can be difficult to make the move to a more intensive level of care. A care assessment will determine if that is necessary for the well being of the patient.