Throughout life, we’re confronted with challenges we need to overcome: graduate, get a job, move to a new house, raise a child, etc. As we age, however, the challenges change. Eventually, small things start to feel like big challenges: driving a car, unloading groceries, or even navigating stairs.
Elderly parents don’t always want help. But there comes a point when they need it.
It may be hard to say, “My mother needs home care.” But that’s okay. You’re not a bad child for looking into home care for your parent(s). If you’re noticing a change in their health, mobility, or overall wellbeing, it’s probably time to do something.
That brings us to geriatric assessments. In this blog, we use various terms interchangeably to refer to the same type of assessment for older adults:
- Senior health assessment
- Elder care evaluation
- Elderly care assessment
- Geriatric health assessment
- In-home evaluation for elderly
Keep reading to learn what a geriatric health assessment is, the purpose of a geriatric assessment, and how to arrange care for elderly parents.
In-home elder care solutions in Southeastern Wisconsin
What Is a Geriatric Assessment?
A geriatric health assessment is an in-home evaluation for elderly adults. What does that mean? It’s a multidimensional evaluation by a geriatric care specialist that tests mental, physical, emotional, and psychological health, as well as assessing living conditions, social environment, family involvement, and anything else that contributes to a senior’s quality of life.
Elderly care assessments offer insights that can be used to help sustain and improve that quality. An in-home evaluation for the elderly can be a detailed look at their activities of daily living (ADLs), their abilities to accomplish those ADLs, their family life and support system, etc.
Elder care evaluations are usually given when an older adult moves into an assisted living facility or home. However, there are other times when they are necessary. A geriatric health assessment may be administered by a physician who notices a potential health issue. Or, a geriatric care manager may perform a senior health assessment when a family reaches out for respite care or home care assistance.
There isn’t a universal senior care assessment that everyone uses. Different physicians, home care agencies, and institutions have their own assessments.
The Purpose of a Geriatric Assessment
The purpose of a geriatric assessment is to identify how well aging adults can care for themselves and what additional help they need to improve their quality of life.
An elderly care assessment aids in the diagnosis of medical conditions, treatment plan development, coordination of care, evaluation of long-term care needs, and identifying the optimal living place for older adults.
Without a timely senior care assessment, your loved one’s health and quality of life may be decreasing with no plan of action to improve them.
A geriatric health assessment is a safety net for older adults. If they’re not well, the assessment will uncover the reasons why. The next step is to take action by coordinating home care, rehabilitative services, medical intervention, etc., which can be handled by a geriatric care manager.
At the end of the day, the purpose of a geriatric assessment is to evaluate the health and well-being of aging adults to ensure they’re getting the help they need to live happy, wholesome lives.
How to Arrange Care for Elderly Parents
If you’re thinking, “I need help with my elderly mother,” then it’s time to get in touch with a geriatric home care agency like Stowell Associates.
1. Contact a Care Management Company
First, contact a home health care company to connect with a care manager. At Stowell, our expert geriatric care managers are registered nurses and master-level social workers who create tailored care solutions for our clients and their families. Senior care can be complex, but we guide you every step of the way.
2. Schedule an Elderly Care Assessment
After listening to your concerns, we schedule an in-home, person-centered geriatric health assessment to understand your loved one’s care needs better. Our elder care evaluation considers the physical, mental, and emotional health of seniors, so our team can provide them and their families with a custom, Whole-person Care Plan.
3. Follow the Care Plan
Once the senior health assessment is complete, we’ll have a better understanding of the independence, abilities, and health of your loved one. Some seniors may only need companionship care, giving families respite, while others require 24-hour home care. Whatever the situation, our geriatric care managers ensure that the plan is followed in collaboration with TheKey—our home care assistance partner.
4. Ongoing Support
At Stowell, we provide families with valuable care resources on an ongoing basis. We don’t stop serving you after the initial elderly care assessment. We partner with families to help them gain clarity, stability, and peace of mind while making hard decisions about the short- and long-term care of senior loved ones.
Now you know what to do when the thought, “My mother needs home care,” comes to mind: Contact Stowell Associates. We’re here for you while you’re there for her.
In-home elder care solutions in Southeastern Wisconsin
