Selecting a senior living community for yourself or your loved one is a big milestone and an important first step toward a new stage of life. What you may not realize is, that choice is just the beginning of creating a personalized experience that shapes your new lifestyle in numerous ways.
In other words, choosing where you’ll live is an important element of your new senior lifestyle, but defining how you’ll live has even more bearing on your everyday experiences.
That’s the entire premise of the assisted living assessment.
What is an assisted living assessment?
An assisted living assessment — sometimes referred to as an assisted living evaluation — is designed to help families and senior living care teams come together to understand a new resident’s daily needs, preferences and goals so the right level of support is available.
Using the term “assessment” makes it sound a bit like a test, but that’s not exactly right. Rather, the assessment is a constructive conversation that allows the community’s care team to get to know each resident on a personal level, looking at the comprehensive dimensions of their daily life. It covers topics like safety, independence, personal care, medication, mobility, nutrition and overall well-being.
The process involves discussion and input from the resident and their loved ones, as well as the professionals who will be responsible for providing care. The conversation is thoughtful, personalized and centered on helping older adults receive the right support while maintaining as much independence as possible.
When does the assessment take place?
Generally, an assessment is conducted before a resident moves into a community as part of the assisted living admissions process. One of the most important functions is ensuring the resident is moving into a neighborhood that offers an appropriate level of care for their needs.
The assessment also allows the team to create an assisted living care plan and prepare for the resident’s arrival, ensuring all of the necessary supports are in place from the start. That might mean ensuring specific assistive tools are available, reorganizing a therapist’s schedule to accommodate a new resident’s needs and creating a list of upcoming activities that align with the new resident’s personal interests so they can start engaging in the community right away.
After the initial assessment, residents can count on revisiting the assessment at regular intervals (commonly six to 12 months). However, the assessment can be revisited in the meantime if there are changes in the resident’s medical, physical or mental needs, such as an illness or injury.
Who participates in an assisted living assessment?
The resident and any representatives, such as family members or other loved ones, play a vital role in the assessment process. Beyond that, participants include a team of professionals who are experienced in caring for older adults.
To some extent, those who contribute to a resident’s evaluation may depend on what’s known about their needs. For example, if a resident could benefit from physical therapy, a therapist or administrator who oversees therapeutic services for the community may be involved.
In addition, the team often includes a care manager or admissions specialist who helps oversee and coordinate the process. Other participants may include a nurse and/or clinical director, social worker and other practitioners who can help assess what supports will enable a resident to achieve as much autonomy as possible and the greatest quality of life.
What areas will an assessment cover?
As you might guess from the diverse list of potential participants, an assisted living assessment covers a wide range of topics, all with the goal of understanding which supports will benefit a resident most and how the community’s resources can contribute to a more engaged, fulfilling lifestyle.
Some areas of focus will include:
Activities of Daily Living: Does the resident need assistance to complete daily tasks like bathing, grooming and eating?
Mobility: Does the resident rely on a cane, walker, wheelchair or other assistive device to get around? Is there a history of falls?
Medical History: Does the resident have any current medical diagnoses, and if so, how are they being treated? What medications does the resident take, and do they manage their own medication?
Diet: Are there any dietary restrictions or specialized dietary needs, including allergies or eating plans designed to support a health condition, such as a low-carb diet to help manage diabetes?
Mental Health: What is the resident’s general disposition and overall emotional state, including any mental health history or areas of concern?
Cognitive Health: Is the resident or their loved ones aware of any concerns about memory and behavior, including challenges communicating clearly?
Medical and physical health aside, the assessment also explores what brings each resident happiness and how they enjoy spending their time. In that vein, you can also expect the assessment to cover topics like:
Personal Interests: What does the resident enjoy doing in their free time? Are there special interests or hobbies that could be nurtured or further developed?
Goals: Does the resident have any specific goals, such as fitness or a special project they want to complete?
Social Engagement: Does the resident have strong social connections outside the community, and what kinds of activities will entice them to engage with neighbors?
What can residents (or loved ones) do to prepare for an assessment?
Coming equipped and ready to share lots of information is the best way to advocate for yourself or a loved one during an assisted living evaluation. Specifically, you may want to:
- Compile detailed notes about medical and health history, including medications and contact information for any doctors or specialists currently involved in the resident’s care
- Make notes about any areas of concern that need extra attention
- Bring a list of questions about assisted living and daily living in the community
Learn more about a supportive community in Atlanta
At Canterbury Court, a highly regarded assisted living community in Atlanta, the assessment is an invaluable tool that our caring team uses to provide personalized assistance just where each resident needs it to maximize independence.
If you’re still considering whether senior living is the right fit for you or a loved one, our free downloadable guide may be a useful tool. Or you’re welcome to give us a call to start exploring a more supportive, rewarding lifestyle.