Nursing Home Resident Assessment
The Resident Assessment should take
place shortly after the resident is admitted. The purpose of the
resident assessment is to understand that the resident needs to
maintain physical, mental and social function. As part of the resident
assessment information will be gathered on the residents physical
condition, mental state, habits, activities and relationships.
The best source of information on the
resident’s physical and mental condition is their medical records and
examination by health care professionals. Without the involvement of
family or friends, information about the resident’s habits, activities
and relationships cannot be acquired unless the resident is able to
communicate and contribute to the assessment information himself.
This is the time at which family
should introduce the resident to the staff, and communicate at least
some of your loved one’s background and circumstances. It is very
important that family take steps to familiarize themselves with the
staff and especially those that will most often be providing direct
care to your loved one. Remember, the staff will vary depending on the
time of day, so try to meet everyone not only those that work the
shift during your normal visiting times.
It is important to keep in mind that
the nursing assistant you see regularly is likely not responsible for
making complex health care decisions, so if a medical question arises
it would be more efficient to discuss this with a supervising nurse.
After the Resident Assessment has been completed the Care Plan
Conference should be held. At this time the information obtained
during the Resident Assessment will be used to develop an
individualized care plan.
There will likely be a physician,
nurse, nurse aide, social worker, activities director and a family
member involved in this conference. While the professional staff
should formulate the care plan, the family member is a valuable
resource to the team and can ensure all concerns of the resident and
family are met. The care plan will state what each staff member will
be doing and when they will complete the tasks. After this has been
completed, both the assessment and the care plan will be reviewed
throughout the year, or when a change in the resident’s condition
occurs.
Family should continue to be involved
in these reviews to ensure the continuing needs are met. Please
remember that family involvement is a good thing, but try not to
interfere in the responsibilities of the facility. Interfering in
issues that you do not possess the requisite information or technical
skill will usually only have negative results. However, any facility
should welcome family involvement and you should be able to
participate as a member of your loved one’s caregiving team. |