How to Assess the Elderly for Self-Directed Care

Self-directed care is a system that positively regards an older person's independence and encourages her to be as involved as possible in the appointing of caregivers and in the course that care takes. Many people who need some level of care, do not necessarily need the upheaval of a move to a nursing home. In some cases, effectively targeted care at the right stage, and delivered by the right people can prevent this altogether. While self-directed care is not the answer for all older people requiring care, it is a good solution for some.

Instructions

• 1

  Involve the older person in the assessment, asking his views, and determining the level and type of help he feels appropriate. With his agreement, involve other family members, friends or members of the primary care team who have been involved with him. Explore whether he is interested in any community groups or adult daycare.

• 2

  Assess the individual's ability to function on a day-to-day basis, ascertaining whether she can maintain her hygiene needs, cook and clean. She may require help in some of these areas, and this may be a key measure to improving her quality of life. Ask about her ability to shop, to visit hairdressers, libraries, churches and physicians. She may already have help with transport or this may even be available from local volunteer groups.

• 3

  Check that the elderly person's safety needs are being met. He may require a panic button or other alert device in case of a fall or other emergency. A few simple adaptations to his home may reduce risk factors. Check that his medical state is under control and that he is able to comply with any on-going treatment requirements, such as taking insulin, or using an inhaler.

• 4

  Check that the person's social and spiritual needs are addressed and that he is not becoming lonely or isolated. You also need to ensure that he feels safe in his home, and is not unduly worried about intruders.