One of the first steps to take if you’re considering a move to one of the assisted living facilities in Bradenton is a needs assessment. The facility will conduct a thorough assessment to learn each potential resident’s physical and cognitive needs. Transitioning into senior care can be both an exciting and stressful time. It is natural for seniors and their family members to have questions about the assessment process.
What Happens During a Needs Assessment?
During an assessment, the facility’s team will ask questions and gather information in order to provide a personalized care plan for you or your loved one. It’s important to be as honest as possible to ensure all of your needs are met.
Each facility has its own process, but the goal of an assessment is to make certain a facility is prepared to meet a senior’s needs. For example, a person who may not fit the criteria for an independent living facility may be well cared for in an assisted living facility.
Typically, three main areas are included in the assessment: mental condition, physical condition, and personal care needs.
Mental and Behavioral Health
For admittance, every resident must be able to comply with the facility’s regulations and policies. Assessors will examine the person’s cognitive health and determine whether they’re experiencing dementia symptoms or not. If the person is unable to express their needs or take direction from staff, the facility must be prepared to provide them with the care they need.
Physical Health
All health issues – past and present – should be disclosed during an assessment. Staff will ask about medications, vision or hearing problems, and incontinence issues. The physical assessment will note any particular needs of the resident, including mobility assistance, special diet, and housekeeping.
Personal Care
Expect to answer questions about bathing, grooming, toileting, and other personal care issues. All of the information gained during the assessment will be used to develop a complete treatment plan.
Bradenton Assisted Living: What Questions Should I Ask?
It is just as important for you to ask questions as to answer them. Some of the most common questions include:
- How often does staff check on the residents?
- How frequently are needs assessments given — what if a resident’s needs change?
- What skills sets and experience are staff equipped with?
- Who will be overseeing medications?
- Who will be in charge of executing your loved one’s care plan?
Answers to questions like these can give you confidence about whether a facility is prepared to meet your loved one’s needs or not. Consider writing down a list of questions before your assessment meeting, especially if your loved one requires some type of special support.
Needs assessments are crucial for the facility and the senior. They help family members decide which senior housing location is the best fit for their loved one, and they help facilities provide the best possible care for each of their residents. Though some of the assessment questions may seem personal, the process is designed to provide relevant and crucial information for the best care.
