Conducting Assessments
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The assessment phase of the caregiving process is crucial. Assessment results provide a kind of map to ensure that the recipient receives appropriate care — care that supports strengths and addresses challenges.
There are different kinds of assessments. The caregiver, the support group, and the recipient can complete an initial, informal assessment of how well the recipient functions in day-to-day life. This will be helpful to the professionals caring for the recipient.
Use the informal assessment. (Available for dowload in PDF file format. 114.5kb file size.)
When you have completed this initial assessment process, you are likely to discover that the assistance of health professionals is necessary. Other assessments require the involvement of doctors, geriatric care managers who coordinate care plans, psychologists, and/or social workers. These assessments will guide you, the care recipient, and the support group during the next step-forming an initial plan. Professional assessments include
- medical assessments.
- assessments of overall functioning and strengths.
- psychological assessments.
- assessments of rehabilitation needs.
Professionals will also carefully evaluate what the care recipient wants, and use this evaluation to guide decision-making.
Resources:
Learn more about the role of health and other professionals in assessment:
Physicians
Social workers
Other professionals
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