One of the first procedures that takes place with a new resident is an assessment of their needs and wants. The assessment is one of the most important pieces of the care we will give to our residents because it sets the tone for the first couple weeks of the resident’s life with us. Getting accurate information is vital at this point because we won’t have much more than what we are told from our initial visit. That changes once the resident moves in, when we immediately begin to assess the resident and make changes as necessary. But, because we honor each moment in our residents’ lives, we need accurate information during the initial assessment so that the first days after a resident’s move-in are comfortable and enjoyable.
Here’s how the process works. First, we schedule an assessment with the resident and his family. We can also are open to including non-family, a friend or friends very close to the resident, if the resident wants their presence.
The core of the assessment, which is similar for both memory care and assisted living residents, includes asking questions about the resident’s daily activities, which will include questions on topics such as bathing, dressing, transfers, grooming, and medication management. The assessment can be a lengthy process. We need to know our residents’ daily routine so we can be sure to offer methods that accommodate as closely as possible.
Because it is so detailed, some of the questions may seem silly—questions about such topics as being able to button a blouse and putting on socks. But these questions are necessary. Residents sometimes are afraid to ask for help, and sometimes they want independence. There’s a balance, and we can only find it by asking lots and lots of questions.
After the initial conversation, we develop the care plan we will utilize for the resident. That plan is re-assessed as soon as the resident moves in, when we start caring for and observing the resident daily. There’s always the possibility that the plan will change once we see them and go into their apartment daily. This is very important, and we want the family to know that we will always observe and re-assess, constantly evaluating individual care plans and making changes as soon as they are necessary. Changes, if necessary, won’t be made all on our own. We will continue to stay in constant communication with the resident and residents’ families throughout their stay.
We believe this assessment is so important because it sets up staff and residents for success. It ensures that a resident’s personal care needs are not only met but exceeded. It’s the first step of a resident’s new life with us. We will do all we can to make it a happy and peaceful one.
We will be discussing this topic at our next virtual dementia seminar, which will be Tuesday, March 9, from 6-7 p.m. To register, please go to this ZOOM link, https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYuc-yopjspHdflHmhRUmFOxOMAoeU_lP-b
To contact the Homeplace of Henderson, email Jessica Beaven at jessica.beaven@homeplaceofhenderson.com or call at (270) 577-0534.