Direct
ServicesIn-Home Assessments
Our Care Manager
will complete the initial assessment either in the private home
or other living facility of the referral client. In completing
the consultation we will:
*interview the client and family as to relevant past medical,
emotional,
and social history
*conduct a screening for cognitive impairments, general
capacities
and abilities, and emotional and social functioning
*complete a home safety inspection and prepare an
emergency
response plan
An assessment consists of the following
steps:
- An examination of the older person's
current status in terms of:
- Their physical, mental, and
psycho-social health
- Their ability to function well and
to independently perform the basic activities of daily living such
as dressing, bathing meal preparation, medication management, etc.
- Their living arrangements, their
social network, and their access to support services.
- An identification of current problems
or anticipated future problems in any of these areas.
- The development of a comprehensive
"Care Plan" which addresses all problems identified, suggests specific
interventions or actions required, and makes specific recommendations
regarding resources needed to provide the necessary support services.
- The management of a successful linkage
between these resources and the older person and that person's family so
that provision of the necessary services is assured.
- An ongoing monitoring of the extent to
which this linkage has, or has not, addressed the problems identified,
and the modification of the Care Plan as needed.
How do you know when a geriatric assessment
is needed?
A request for a geriatric assessment would
be appropriate when there are persistent or intermittent symptoms such as:
- memory loss,
- confusion,
- or other signs of possible dementia.
Often, what looks like Alzheimer's or
dementia can be the result of medication interactions or other medical
or psychiatric problems. Because of the thoroughness of the geriatric
assessment, it is one of the best ways to determine what the actual
problem and cause is or is not.
Following the preparation of
the report the care manager will meet with the client and others
they wish involved and review the findings and recommendations.
A list of referrals for other services may be provided at this
time, if desired.
Should the client want help
with the carrying out of the identified actions then a treatment
plan will be prepared. Some of the
services which can then be completed by Life Assist include:
*Preparation of a written plan of action and directory of
resources
*Put into action personal care services such as home
providers or
bath service
*Help arrange for and assist in supervising medical
treatment
*Help arrange for and direct social and community
services
*Help arrange for and monitor changes following
residential
placement
*Help arrange for and monitor Home Health Services
Services which we do not offer
but do provide referral for include:
*purchase or rental of durable medical equipment
*meal delivery
*Transportation
*Adult day care
*Individual mental health counseling services
*Legal services
*Hospice services
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