Needs Assessment

Making a good decision regarding one’s housing or care options can be difficult. There are numerous factors that impact the determination of the right type of provider - community support or home care services, independent living, retirement residence, long-term care home – and making the best choice among the providers within a given category or provider type. If possible, it is best not to wait until a crisis arises but to plan ahead since the best decisions are usually made without time pressures.

Regardless of the timing of your particular situation, we have provided some points to consider or questions to ask of yourself or your loved one to help guide you in the right direction in terms of the most appropriate type of seniors’ housing or care service provider. We also aim to help you to identify some of the many other issues you or your loved one will need to consider, if you’ve not already done so, such as legal matters and estate planning, financial planning, insurance and real estate decisions, and point you to appropriate resources.

Please keep in mind, the following represents only a broad guide; it is advisable to seek professional, hands-on advice and assistance.

Current Living Arrangements

The individual’s present home and support network can have an impact on the appropriateness of remaining at home with some supportive or home care services, or making a move to a residence of some sort.

1. Where does the individual presently live? Is the person able to manage daily living in this environment?
2. Does the person live with a spouse, other family, friends or alone?
3. If living alone, is there a primary caregiver? If so, how close does the primary caregiver live to the individual and how often do they see each other?
4. Does the person have family members and friends who visit regularly and are able to provide support?
5. Has he/she expressed any desire to explore alternative living arrangements?
6. If an alternative living arrangement is deemed most appropriate, where would the individual prefer to live? In the same neighbourhood? In the same town/city? Somewhere else closer to family?

General Well-Being, Lifestyle and Health Conditions

The cumulative effect of the following will influence not only the most appropriate type of provider along the continuum, but the choice of a specific of provider. For example, if the individual is at risk of wandering, remaining at home may not be realistic. Or if the person always requires assistance with bathing, a provider that offers this service should be considered.

7. Try to ascertain whether or not the individual is experiencing any issues or difficulties with the following (i.e. never, sometimes, often, always):
   1. walking or getting around
   2. using an assistive device like a walker or wheelchair
   3. standing from a seated position or sitting down
   4. getting in and out of bed
   5. maintaining balance or staying on <<his/her>> feet
   6. personal hygiene (e.g. washing hands and face, brushing teeth)
   7. grooming and getting dressed or undressed
   8. bathing or showering
   9. getting in and out of the bath tub or shower
   10. using the commode
   11. maintaining a nutritious, balance diet and meal preparation
   12. taking prescribed medications
   13. indoor domestic duties (e.g. laundry, housekeeping)
   14. outdoor maintenance (snow shoveling, lawn mowing)
   15. short-term memory
   16. wandering from home and/or getting lost

8. Does the individual require any specialized therapies (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)?
9. How would you describe the person’s social life? Active, moderately active, passive or reclusive?
10. Has the individual been diagnosed with or experienced any of the following?
    1. Alzheimer Disease or dementia
    2. Arthritis
    3. Cancer
    4. Cardiovascular problems (blood pressure, heart disease)
    5. Cerebrovascular problems (strokes)
    6. Cholesterol disorders
    7. Chronic pain
    8. Depression
    9. Diabetes
    10. Falls and Injuries
    11. Gastrointestinal disorders
    12. General decline in physical health
    13. Hearing impairment
    14. Osteoporosis
    15. Parkinson's Disease
    16. Respiratory Disease (asthma, trouble breathing)
    17. Pressure ulcers
    18. Sleep disorders
    19. Terminal illness
    20. Thyroid Disease
    21. Urinary Disorders
    22. Visual impairment

Legal Issues

12. Does the person have a legal Will in place?
13. Does the individual have a Living Will or Health Care Declaration?
14. Has the person appointed a Power of Attorney?

Financial Issues

15. Is there any concern about the person’s ability to pay for an alternative living arrangement or care services in the home that may be needed?
16. Has it been determined what amount can be afforded on a monthly basis in this regard?
17. Have government financial assistance programs been investigated and pursued?

Insurance Issues

18. Does the person have adequate life insurance?
19. Is the individual familiar with the different types of life insurance and the advantages and disadvantages of each?
20. Does the person have a Living Benefit plan that includes disability or critical illness coverage?
21. Does the individual have Long-Term Care Insurance?

Again, these are just some of the considerations that one should address in an effort to ensure the best decision is made with respect to seniors’ housing and care services, and related matters.

This has been intended to provide only board guidelines and ideas of what to factor into your decision-making process but, like any major life-decisions, it is often best to seek professional guidance. For more information about Care Select, a professional consulting service designed to help families make these tough decisions, please call 1-800-311-CARE(2273) or click here.