How do you assess the needs of a client when seeking services? What are some assessment tools a social worker can use to assess a client’s needs? What types of assessments you’re your agency use?
Every client entering residential care should be given a comprehensive assessment to identify individual needs, preferences, and strengths. The assessment is undertaken by an interdisciplinary team and covers various aspects of their’ lives such as: physical, spiritual, cognitive, social, mental, and emotional.
Client assessments lead to informed decisions that impact on care planning, resources allocation and other services.
The assessment process determines the most appropriate and effective way to support clients. Assessment usually starts soon after admission, however it depends of the organization and availability of staff.
A partnership between the interdisciplinary team and client is necessary to conduct a successful assessment.
Clients should be actively involved in their assessment as well as their family/ caregivers and close friends. In many organizations a case manager is assigned to support clients during the assessment process.
Leisure and Health staff are responsible for the Social/Spiritual Care Plan that includes recreation, relaxation, community trips, club affiliation, and other aspects of daily life.