All too often we hear from clients like Jack and Meghan who regret having “put off” arranging for help at home. Things didn’t get better. It was always on their mind. Looking into in-home care services is a wise first step. Your situation, needs and goals are unique to you. That’s why we meet face-to-face in the home for the Care Assessment so that we can understand care needs and answer your questions in the context of your specific situation.
What does this Care Assessment consist of?
1. Getting acquainted
You might think of the Care Assessment as a “first date.” We’re looking forward to asking a few questions and getting to know you! What can we help you with that would make living in your home easier and more enjoyable? What are your goals that our Caregivers can help you accomplish? Your Sunlight representative will tell you a little bit about themselves, their role, about Sunlight, (all care providers are not the same!) and about non-medical in-home care in general.
- The best outcomes come from knowing each other well and open communication.
Nick Vavrina, Sunlight’s Outreach Director, often leads Care Assessments.
2. Review of medical history and current health status
You may be recovering from an accident, dealing with chronic illnesses or physical limitations, or simply the effects of aging. Knowing about your health conditions, past and present, helps us to focus on care services that would likely interest you and avoid wasting your time discussing other services you probably don’t want.
- A solid understanding of your health and well-being leads to a more accurate and complete Care Plan, as well as an improved Caregiver match.
3. Mobility and daily activities
Balance issues or using a cane/walker/scooter need not be as limiting when you have a Caregiver. Reaching into the upper cabinets? Bending over to retrieve an item that fell? Getting in and out of the shower safely? Having a Caregiver present is peace of mind, so we’ll review a list of daily activities to identify the care services you would find most important.
- A mutual understanding of desired, beneficial care services to be provided helps create a Care Plan tailored uniquely to you.
4. Nutrition and dietary preferences
Do you have special dietary needs, preferences, or restrictions? Far too many seniors default to frozen dinners. Our Caregivers can assist in preparing tasty, healthier meals that provide greater variety and nutrition.
- Proper nutrition affects so many aspects of our lives. Let us know what our Caregivers could be doing for you, particularly with food allergies becoming more common.
5. Home safety evaluation
When our representative is in your home, they’ll be looking for any potential safety concerns. Are there trip hazards? Are pathways unobstructed? Do you have ready access to a phone and flashlight? Is there a fire extinguisher? We’ll go over our findings and any suggestions for improving home safety with you.
- We desire to help create a safe environment for everyone in the home.
6. Social and emotional well-being
With more than 40% of seniors reporting they’re lonely, there are numerous health risks, and increased face-to-face contact is the solution. We want to know about your social calendar and how we can be there for you, such as helping to get your home ready for guests. Importantly, your Sunlight Caregiver becomes a new friend to talk and do activities with. What are your interests? Hobbies? Music? What brings you joy?
- Beyond your physical well-being, we want all of our clients to be happy and vibrant by fostering a positive environment in which to thrive and grow.
7. Discussion of preferences and goals
You may have non-negotiable preferences, such as the gender of your caregiver helping with bathing. But you also likely have preferences that, if known, would make you happy. Perhaps there’s certain ways you like to have clothes folded, dishes washed, or meals prepared. We will do our best to accommodate such preferences.
You also have goals, like staying independent and living in your home. Plus, we all have dreams and goals to be realized. Your family probably has goals as well, which is one reason we invite them to participate in the Assessment.
- At Sunlight, we care about you, not just your business. Your preferences and goals matter!
8. Questions & answers
Meeting with you face-to-face in your home provides the context necessary to best answer your questions. Most people have never hired Caregivers, and you’ll be surprised at the number of issues we’ll address which you hadn’t thought about. We’ll also discuss any financial assistance that may be available.
- At the end of the assessment, you’ll have the information you need to make a wise, informed care decision.
9. Envisioning life with a Caregiver
If it hasn’t been discussed already, we’ll ask what days and times work best for you to receive care services. Knowing your care needs, preferences, goals, desired schedule, and when you would like to begin helps us identify the best Caregiver match for you. Collaboratively, we’re developing a Care Plan tailored to you, enabling you to better envision what life could be like with a Caregiver’s help.
- Establish realistic and clear expectations of what life looks like for you and your family with a Sunlight Caregiver.
10. Next steps
Following the Care Assessment, you can choose to move forward with care, finalize everything, and schedule care services. Or you are free to take what you’ve learned and weigh this solution with another care option. We want you to make the best care decision for your specific situation.
- Knowledge replaces ambiguity so decisions can be made. Care can begin. Peace of mind returns. You get your life back!
While the Care Assessment can be thought of as a first date, providing care is more like a gourmet meal. It hinges on having the right ingredients, thoughtfully prepared and delivered. A solid understanding of your care needs, preferences and goals from the Care Assessment provides the best opportunity to deliver the quality care – that gourmet meal – which you want and deserve.
It’s time to schedule a Care Assessment!
