What Is A Care Needs Assessment And How To Get One?
Your Complete Guide To Care Needs Assessments
Navigating the maze of care options for an elderly parent can be overwhelming. A care needs assessment often serves as the initial step in this journey. Whether your parent has been discharged from hospital following a fall, or you’ve noticed them struggling with daily tasks, understanding the care needs assessment process is crucial. This comprehensive guide from Gladys aims to shed light on what care needs assessments are, how to apply for one, and what funding options may be available to you.
What Is A Care Needs Assessment?
A care needs assessment is essentially an evaluation to determine the type and extent of care an individual requires to maintain a safe and healthy life. Conducted through an in-depth interview, its aim is to meticulously review your loved one's care necessities and recommend appropriate services or modifications. This can encompass:
- Home adaptations like personal alarms, walk-in showers, and ramps
- Assistance from a professional home carer for tasks like medication management and domestic chores
- Access to day care centres
- Guidance on moving to a care or nursing home
How To Apply For A Care Needs Assessment
You can initiate a care needs assessment either through a GP referral or by contacting your Local Authority’s Social Services department directly. In some cases, if your parent is leaving a hospital, an assessment may automatically be triggered as part of the discharge process.
The Assessment Process
Upon your application, an occupational therapist or a social worker from the Local Authority will get in touch to schedule an interview. This could be either a face-to-face meeting or a phone consultation.
During the interview, it's important to be transparent about the daily challenges your parent faces at home. While the assessors are trained to be empathetic and thorough, they can only rely on the information provided. Therefore, don't assume they fully understand your situation unless you explain it clearly.
Preparing For The Assessment
To maximise the effectiveness of the assessment, provide detailed information about daily struggles your parent encounters, categorised as 'presenting needs’. These can include:
- Issues with daily tasks such as using taps, preparing meals, or managing personal hygiene
- Mobility challenges like climbing stairs or getting out of bed
- Medical requirements, such as medication schedules or wound dressings
- General household chores including washing, shopping, and cleaning
Further, discuss any ongoing health concerns such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or memory issues. Explain your parent’s mood fluctuations and any exercise routines they follow. The more complete the picture, the more accurate the assessment.
Personal Preferences
If you have specific requirements like proximity to family members, or need home carers at particular times of the day, make sure to communicate these to the assessor.
After The Assessment
Most Local Authorities aim to deliver the results within two weeks. The final report, or care plan, will offer recommendations which can range from in-home care services to alterations in the living environment. Following this, a financial assessment will determine how much, if at all, you'll need to contribute to the cost of care.
Eligibility for funding is based on a means test covering assets, income, pensions, and savings. You can learn more about this in our comprehensive guide to the cost of home care in the UK.
Taking the step towards getting a care needs assessment can make a significant difference in the quality of life for your elderly parent. With Gladys by your side, you’re never alone in this journey.
