According to a report by CNA, 70,000 seniors in Singapore are unable to perform basic activities of self-care. Meanwhile, a majority of seniors would like to “age in place” and live out their lives in the comfort of their own homes. This highlights not only the need for eldercare Singapore but also the need to make it accessible for those who would like to age peacefully at home.
With their care needs increasing as your loved ones age, it can be worrying to think about the level of care they need and exactly what services are available to meet it. Luckily, there are professionals who can help you with that.
Availing of an In-Person Care Assessment will allow a trained professional to determine not only the specific care needs of your loved one but also provide an individualized care plan to allow them to thrive in a safe and familiar environment.
An in-person care assessment is a holistic, individualized assessment of an elderly person’s needs based on their medical, psychological and functional capabilities.
This takes into consideration basic or complex care requirements in regards to mobility, health, medical care, memory and mental state. This person-centred assessment will determine the level of care they need based on their ability or inability to perform activities of daily living.
Person-centred care caters to the needs and preferences of the care recipient and includes their, as well as their family’s, input in curating a care plan. This care plan can range from intensive medical and nursing care to providing additional support for care recipients who want to remain independent.
Person-centred care recognizes that each individual has unique needs and home care requirements. It aims to seamlessly integrate support workers into the care recipient’s life to allow them to live fulfilling lives based on their terms.
An In-person Care Assessment ensures your loved one’s care needs are met by a personalized care plan and trained carers.
Care facilitators are equipped with training and medical knowledge to assess the physical and emotional needs of your loved one. Their job is to provide a care plan that prioritizes your loved one’s needs as well as select trained care professionals who are capable of providing the care your loved one requires.
An in-person care assessment takes into account the care recipient’s environment (i.e. home) to curate a care plan that is suitable for their needs, wants and surroundings. It will take into consideration the following factors:
Their ability to do activities of daily living such as washing, dressing, eating and walking determines the level of focused care they require. The care assessment also takes into consideration the needs of the care recipient in maintaining a home.
The care assessment plan accommodates any activities and interests the care recipient participates in inside and outside the home.
An important factor in the care plan is providing advice regarding the care recipient’s mobility needs, should they need a mobility aid, and ensuring carers are capable of using the necessary equipment safely.
A care assessment takes into consideration the communication needs of the care recipient and can arrange for carers who can speak the same language or have experience in other methods of communication (i.e sign language).
Included in the service provided in the care plan is support to meet the care recipient’s socialization needs, dietary requirements, spiritual and religious needs. It includes assistance for care recipients should they decide to pursue activities outside the home or visit their favourite places.
Should there be a need for more in-depth home nursing or medical care, arrangements can be made with home care providers to ensure your loved one has access to these in the comfort of their own homes.
A care assessment may also inquire about the care recipient’s history, hobbies, interests and personal sentiments that can aid the care facilitator in curating a personalized care plan.
A care plan is integrated into the care recipient’s day and so it takes into account the care recipient’s routine activities such as their preferred times to wake up, eat and sleep.
An in-person care assessment can cost about $60 in Singapore.
Retire Genie offers free care assessment to those who would like to look into an individualized care plan for their loved ones. Curated by trained professionals, it aims to bring a holistic, and specialized care plan to meet the unique care needs of your elderly loved ones.