Assess the Individual in a Health and Social Care Setting
Unit 518
Assess the individual in a health and social care setting Compare and contrast the range and purpose of different forms of assessment
The assessment process is the back bone to any package of care and it is vital that it is personal and appropriate to the individual concerned. Although studies have found that there is no singular theory or understanding as to what the purpose of assessment is, there are different approaches and forms of assessment carried out in health and social care. These different approaches can sometimes result in different outcomes.
One method of assessment used is a holistic approach. To assess an individual in a holistic manner is to see that individual for more than just their functioning body, mental health state and lifestyle preferences. You have to look deeper into how all aspects of their life impact on each other, the reason certain factors influence them and what level of independence the individual has in each area that you are assessing.
The benefits of a holistic assessment are that by taking into account the individual’s personal preferences and needs, you are ensuring that that individual remains in control and you are promoting their dignity and choice. The negatives being that it would not be appropriate for an individual with a diagnosis of dementia, or similar condition, to be assessed using this method. The reason for this is that an individual with advanced dementia would not always be in the position to delve into what factors affect their daily living in a positive or negative way.
A popular method used in the care industry is the Taylor and Devine (1993) ‘basic helping cycle’. The basic care cycle consists of four different stages; Assess, Plan, Implement and Review. This is the method that is used most often as a template for the managers at Crosshands Home Services. On receiving a care package referral we then arrange a meeting with the individual, any advocate/family member and the appropriate
Assess the individual in a health and social care setting Compare and contrast the range and purpose of different forms of assessment
The assessment process is the back bone to any package of care and it is vital that it is personal and appropriate to the individual concerned. Although studies have found that there is no singular theory or understanding as to what the purpose of assessment is, there are different approaches and forms of assessment carried out in health and social care. These different approaches can sometimes result in different outcomes.
One method of assessment used is a holistic approach. To assess an individual in a holistic manner is to see that individual for more than just their functioning body, mental health state and lifestyle preferences. You have to look deeper into how all aspects of their life impact on each other, the reason certain factors influence them and what level of independence the individual has in each area that you are assessing.
The benefits of a holistic assessment are that by taking into account the individual’s personal preferences and needs, you are ensuring that that individual remains in control and you are promoting their dignity and choice. The negatives being that it would not be appropriate for an individual with a diagnosis of dementia, or similar condition, to be assessed using this method. The reason for this is that an individual with advanced dementia would not always be in the position to delve into what factors affect their daily living in a positive or negative way.
A popular method used in the care industry is the Taylor and Devine (1993) ‘basic helping cycle’. The basic care cycle consists of four different stages; Assess, Plan, Implement and Review. This is the method that is used most often as a template for the managers at Crosshands Home Services. On receiving a care package referral we then arrange a meeting with the individual, any advocate/family member and the appropriate