How can I determine an elder’s needs?

There are a variety of issues that need to be looked at to determine the level of assistance someone needs, and questions to ask regarding personal preferences for care (e.g., bathing in the morning rather than the afternoon). Each person’s situation is different. Assessments usually look at challenges (or strengths) in the following categories:

Personal Care: bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, grooming.
Household Care: cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, finances.
Health Care: medication management, physician’s appointments, physical therapy.
Emotional Care: companionship, meaningful activities, conversation.
Supervision: oversight for safety at home and wandering prevention.
Home Safety: lighting, furniture configuration, rugs, wiring and external issues.

While there are various government-paid programs where professionals go into the community to assess elders’ needs, the most thorough consultations and assessments are available by hiring a geriatric care manager. These professionals begin by doing a complete assessment of needs and resources, so they can appropriately recommend and perhaps implement the services that will enhance quality of life for both the elder and involved others. They can also be hired to stand in for family and friends for both mundane and some emergency situations.

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