Three Questions To Ask Before Applying For A Needs Assessment

One of the first and most difficult steps to home care is being able to clearly define what services are needed to help improve quality of life.

This is particularly important when it comes to the needs assessment, as whilst an occupational therapist or care worker will know what to ask when it comes to meeting everyday needs, it is important to have a clear idea of which everyday tasks a person may struggle with.

With that in mind, here are three questions that will be useful for clarifying which adaptations and services will be needed for which needs.

Does A Mental Or Physical Condition Affect Daily Living Tasks?

Make a list of everything that your mental or physical conditions cause you to struggle with each day, when living in your home, being social, using local services, or engaging with employment, education or training.

The more specific you can be the better the assessment can help meet your needs.

From someone or something that can help you take medication, someone to help with cooking, cleaning and doing shopping, or someone who can help with personal care, think about what you struggle to do without pain or discomfort.

Is There Anything That Cannot Be Done Without Help?

In particular, a needs assessment will focus on any outcomes you cannot do without some form of help, whether that takes the form of adaptations or home care workers to come in and help with tasks.

If there are more than a few outcomes you cannot achieve without help, a needs assessment is more likely to suggest home care to help you meet those needs.

Has There Been An Impact On Wellbeing?

The impact on your physical and mental health is also a vital element of a needs assessment, and anything that has an impact on your overall health and wellbeing will take priority when it comes to meeting your needs.