01
Start with what matters
Think about the person’s preferred name, routines, relationships, interests, culture, faith, communication and what they most want to keep doing. These details help prevent the assessment becoming only a list of problems.
Advice And Resources
Prepare the information that helps care fit the person
You do not need a perfect file before an assessment. A few practical notes about the person’s day, current support and important risks can make the conversation clearer and less stressful.
In practice
People seeking care, families and representatives
Talk to us
0115 681 251402
Describe a usual day
Note what happens in the morning, during the day, at meals, in the evening and overnight. Identify what the person does independently, what takes longer and where support is already provided.
03
List current care needs
Consider Personal care, continence, meals and drinks, medication, mobility, transfers, skin, sleep, household tasks, appointments, emotional wellbeing and community activities.
04
Gather important information
Useful items may include the current medication list, recent professional assessments, equipment instructions, discharge information, emergency contacts and funding details. Do not send unrelated records unless requested.
05
Think about communication
Record preferred language, hearing or visual needs, processing time, signs, pictures, devices, useful phrases, how the person shows pain or distress and who can support communication.
06
Identify risks and recent change
Mention falls, getting lost, missed medication, skin concerns, reduced intake, self-neglect, exploitation, unsafe equipment, fire risk, hospital admission or sudden deterioration.
07
Questions to ask
Ask what MoreLoved Care can provide, what sits outside scope, who will review the plan, how staff are prepared, what the service costs, who to contact and what happens if needs change.
08
On the day
Choose a time and place that supports the person’s participation. Have glasses, hearing aids, communication aids and any relevant supporter available. Ask for a break or explanation whenever needed.
Answers
Frequently asked questions.
Do I need a medical diagnosis before assessment?+
No. Describe the actual support needs and changes. Professional information may be requested where it is needed for safe planning.
Should the person receiving care attend?+
They should be involved as far as possible, with communication support and a trusted person if they wish.
Can the assessment happen after hospital discharge?+
It can, but planning before discharge is often safer where information and access are available.
What if I forget something?+
Information can be clarified later. Essential gaps must be resolved before affected care tasks begin.
Will everything discussed go into the care plan?+
Only relevant information needed to plan, deliver and review the service should be recorded.
Next step