When it comes to your loved one, their health and well-being is a top priority. You want them to be as safe and independent as possible. As your loved one ages, they may experience certain challenges that require expert care and support from a senior living facility. It’s important to research your loved one’s options and find the best choice for their unique health needs. To provide the best care and support possible, senior living facilities will perform senior living assessments. This is a necessary step to determine your loved one’s physical and mental health, so the facility can provide the appropriate care that will help your loved one achieve their health goals and regain their independence. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about these assessments for your loved one.

What Is a Senior Living Assessment?

A senior living assessment is used to determine your loved one’s unique care needs. A nurse or admissions staff member typically performs this assessment, which is done at the facility. The assessment will help the facility determine what type of care your loved one will benefit from the most, such as assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, or long-term care. Additionally, this assessment will help the facility create a personalized care plan for your loved one. 

What Does a Senior Living Assessment Evaluate?

Typically, an assessment will evaluate and rank your loved one’s behaviors, illnesses, food requirements, need for assistive technologies, and ability to communicate, perform ADLs, and manage medicine. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to come to assist with answering specific questions about their loved one’s level of functioning. While it may be challenging to complete this assessment, this information will help facilities gain a better understanding of what your loved one needs regarding their care and support.

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Can your loved one perform ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding themselves or taking their medication and cleaning?

• Dietary Needs: What type of dietary needs and restrictions do they have? For example, do they need to follow a low-sodium or low fat diet? Do they have any food allergies?

• Fall History and Risk: Has your loved one fallen in the past or recently? 

• Health Issues and Conditions: Does your loved one have any serious or chronic health conditions? Do they have any of the following: arthritis, cancer, dementia, diabetes, digestive issues, hearing impairment, heart issues, high blood pressure, stroke, or visual impairment? If yes, how do these conditions affect their ability to function and live independently? 

• Housekeeping: Is your loved one able to clean their house on their own? This includes basic chores like washing dishes, cleaning up their main living spaces, and doing laundry. 

• Mental Condition: Does your loved one have any mental conditions? Are they able to remember people, places, and what time it is? Do they suffer from regular or frequent confusion, such as forgetting where they live or who their family is? 

• Mobility: Is your loved one able to move around their house on their own or do they require assistance? If they require help getting in and out of bed and chairs, do they use a wheelchair or other assistive device?

• Special Medical Services: Does your loved one need special medical services, such as an oxygen tank? 

• Toileting Assistance: Does your loved one need help using the bathroom? Do they suffer from incontinence? If yes, can they go to the bathroom on their own with the help of assistive devices? Does your loved one need to be reminded to go to the bathroom?
• Transportation: Can your loved one drive themselves to the grocery store and doctor’s office? If not, can they use public transportation on their own?

The Best Option for Your Loved One

As you can see, there are numerous factors that are considered when conducting senior living assessments. After reading this article, we hope you are now ready to start exploring senior living facilities in your local area. It’s best to not wait until the last minute when your loved one is no longer able to live on their own safely. If you are looking for a family-owned, local business with several senior living options, contact Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services today. We offer everything from short term rehabilitation to assisted living and long-term care to skilled nursing facilities.