Why Needs Assessment Is Important For Seniors In Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities vary considerably in terms of the amenities and the type of support they offer. Not every facility will be a good fit for your loved one. This is why, when you visit an assisted living facility, the management will want to first do a needs assessment test.

What Is A Needs Assessment Test?

A needs assessment test is a kind of assessment that aims to test a senior’s physical and cognitive health. Although most prospective residents have their own doctor’s medical notes, assisted living facilities prefer to do an individual assessment to get a clearer picture of the senior’s health. This helps them determine the right type and level of care that the individual will need.

Why Is It Important?

Every person ages differently. Two seniors of the same age will have completely different needs. One may have mobility limitations and require help with accomplishing physical tasks, while the other may have mental issues such as dementia and need help with memory tasks and medicine management. Performing a needs assessment test allows assisted living facilities to get a better idea of whether or not their facility is a good fit for your loved one.

This is not a one-time test. A resident’s needs are likely to keep changing as they get older. Most facilities conduct these tests regularly to ensure that their residents are getting the type and level of help that they require at all times.

These are some of the areas that the facilities evaluate during a needs assessment test.

Behavioral Condition

Assisted living facilities function as a community. Ideally, these facilities prefer to admit seniors who will fit in and embrace the community spirit by being respectful towards residents and staff, as well as property. The main goal is to make sure that prospective residents will comply with set guidelines that are in place to protect everyone’s health and safety.

Mental Condition

Many seniors struggle with mental conditions such as depression and dementia. While these conditions are not visible, they do pose several risks to the sufferer. Seniors suffering from these or any other mental conditions may need special help with reminders about food, medicine and even hygiene. Assessing a senior’s mental condition allows the staff to be better prepared to offer the type of help that particular individual may need.

Medical Needs

The medical needs assessment involves a thorough look at the senior’s medical history over the past few years. During this assessment, special focus is paid to certain age-related conditions such as diabetes, heart issues, cancer, vision and hearing problems, arthritis, and digestive disorders.

The facility will also want to know details about medications to be administered to make sure that they are equipped to handle it.

Special Needs

In addition to routine medical assistance, some seniors may require help with special needs such as administering oxygen, special dietary needs, or maybe someone to wheel them around. A special needs assessment helps the facility determine whether or not they have the equipment and staff necessary to meet the senior’s needs.

Personal Care and Hygiene Needs

Performing a personal care and hygiene needs test allows the facility to create a customized care plan that ensures that the residents get the help they need with bathing, personal care, grooming, hygiene, and using the rest room.