Guest post:
Are You At Risk? Why Risk Assessments In Elder Care Are Important
One of the most delicate areas of risk assessment is elder care, mainly due to the archaic approaches that are often adopted. Assessing the needs of the elderly is a delicate process, but at the same time, such assessments are vital for adequate care provision and minimizing distress. All assessments should be made in a way that addresses each person as an individual, alongside taking in to account staff, public and environment risks.
Why is a new approach needed?
Risk assessments for elder care have always been important, but until recently, extremely defensive approaches have been taken. Such measures have proven to be detrimental to care, and any strategy that results in poor care also leads to patient distress.
Defensive tactics have included assuming that the elderly are a risk due to their age or health condition, along with a lack of input amongst staff when it comes to carrying out assessments and failing to communicate with those in their care. Through this, many elderly patients have refused care due to recognizing that they are being treated in a risk averse way, staff have delivered inconsistent care as a result of no communication and service users have developed a sense of resentment. This overall lack of cooperation results in further risks, rather than addressing the ones that are there. In reality, most in elder care are not a risk to others or for that matter themselves, and the vast majority feel frustrated and patronized by the ‘one size fits all’ approach often taken; this highlights just why a new approach is important.
What approach should be taken to risk assessments for elder care?
First of all, each person needs to be assessed as an individual. A singular defensive approach will not tackle the individual needs of service users and will lead to failure. Rather than assuming that each person is ultimately a risk to themselves or others, it is better to look at how they are in reality. This includes focusing on how well they can care for themselves, physical aspects like mobility and overall health, how they react in the company of others, and in different environments, as well as how they respond to staff. Taking a balanced approach in this way means that posed risks are recognized.
Risk assessments for elder care should focus on communication at all levels. A growing body of evidence displays that the more a person is included in the risk assessment, the more likely it is that they will respond well to its findings. This increased level of cooperation from service users extends from care based services, to residing in assisted living facilities. By patronizing the elderly less through secretive assessments, it is easier to address their fears and pin-point just where it is possible to get their full cooperation.
Finally, a collaborative approach is needed between health care professionals and elderly patients alike. This includes taking staff away from a box-ticking approach and allowing them to give input based on their experiences with service users as an individual. By establishing a level of agreement across all staff members involved in care and elderly patients, it is easier to get a full picture with regards to where risks exist.
Why are risk assessments in elder care important?
Although every area of healthcare will present elderly patients with varying needs, not many areas offer as much variety as elder health care. In addition to this, there exists a certain level of unpredictability, making risks higher. A strategic approach that analyzes patient needs on an individual level, as well as analytical data on previous staff and care trends, allows for a finite approach to elder care risk assessment. In turn, this provides for detailed care plans that work, ultimately resulting in a heightened sense of well being and levels of care that benefit all concerned.
Bio:
Mary C. Owens is a freelance writer who is currently studying for a degree in medical sciences. She takes a keen interest in innovative approaches to elder health care. Although she is not associated with Trinity in any way, she does recommend them to those looking at assisted living in Atlanta.
