Policy & Procedure - Care needs assessment

Introduction

A CARE LIMITED recognises the importance of assessing the care needs of our service users to ensure that we provide high-quality, person-centred care services. This policy outlines our approach to conducting care needs assessments and ensuring that our service users receive the care and support they require.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that our service users receive a comprehensive care needs assessment that identifies their individual needs, preferences, and goals. This assessment will help to create a personalised care plan that meets their unique needs and requirements. This policy applies to all service users receiving domiciliary care services from our organisation.

Principles

Our care needs assessment policy is guided by the following principles:

Person-centred: We prioritise the individual needs, preferences, and goals of our service users.

Holistic: We consider the physical, emotional, social, and environmental needs of our service users.

Collaborative: We will work with service users, their families, and other healthcare professionals to gather information and develop personalised care plans.

Empowering: We support service users to take control of their care and make informed decisions.

Care Needs Assessment Procedures

Initial Assessment:
Upon referral, our care team will conduct an initial assessment to gather basic information about the service user's needs and preferences. This assessment will be conducted in the service user's home and will include:

Introduction to our organisation and services.

Discussion of the service user's needs and expectations.

Completion of a basic assessment form.

Comprehensive Assessment:

Following the initial assessment, our care team will conduct a comprehensive care needs assessment. This assessment will be conducted in the service user's home and will include:

A thorough review of the service user's medical history, including any diagnoses, allergies, and medication.An assessment of the service user's physical needs, including mobility, nutrition, and hygiene. An assessment of the service user's emotional and social needs, including cognitive function, mental health, and social relationships. An assessment of the service user's environmental needs, including their home and community. Identification of the service user's goals and preferences.

Involving Service Users and Families

We will involve service users and their families in the assessment process, ensuring that their views and preferences are considered. We will also provide opportunities for service users and their families to ask questions and raise concerns.

Reviewing and Updating Care Plans:
We will review and update care plans regularly, or as needed, to ensure that they remain relevant and effective. This will involve:

Regular review meetings with the service user and their family.

Ongoing monitoring of the service user's needs and preferences.

Updating the care plan regularly and as needed.

Documentation

All assessments and care plans will be thoroughly documented and stored in the service user's record. This will include:

A comprehensive care plan that outlines the service user's needs, goals, and preferences.

Regular review notes and updates.

Communication with other healthcare professionals and organisations.

Responsibilities

Care Team: Responsible for conducting care needs assessments and developing personalised care plans.

Service User: Responsible for participating in the assessment process, providing information about their needs and preferences, and informing us of any changes to their needs or circumstances.

Family Members and Carers: Responsible for providing information about the service user's needs and preferences, supporting the service user during the assessment process, and informing us of any changes to the service user's needs or circumstances.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Quality Assurance: We will regularly review and evaluate our care needs assessment process to ensure that it remains effective and person-centred.

Service User Feedback: We will seek feedback from service users and their families to ensure that our care needs assessment process meets their needs and expectations.

Audit and Inspection: We will participate in regular audits and inspections to ensure that our care needs assessment process meets regulatory requirements and standards.

By following this policy and procedures, we aim to provide high-quality, person-centred care that meets the unique needs and preferences of our service users.

Quratulaan Annie B.A. Hons, RGM, Dip Level 5 Leadership and Management
Manager
01/02/2025