Birches Assisted Living and Memory Care Needs Assessment

Before a senior moves into Birches Assisted Living and Memory Care, our staff thoroughly assesses the potential resident's cognitive and physical health.

It's important to note that while doctor's notes are essential for documenting a senior's medical history, we do not solely rely on this information for admission purposes.

As part of our admissions process at Birches Assisted Living and Memory Care, we have our director of nursing meet with each prospective resident. We may also meet with family members, caregivers, and therapy partners to thoroughly evaluate how the prospect performs their activities of daily living (ADLs) and any assistance they may need to complete these tasks.

We will look at the possible need for assistive devices, monitoring of chronic illnesses, special dietary requirements, medication management, assistance with bathing and dressing, ways we can adapt the prospects' apartment prior to a move to make them more successful, and other care needs.

Our assessment determines the care required, the services we can provide, and the costs associated with those needs. We will then use the assessment to develop an individualized, structured care plan.

While some assisted living facilities and skilled nursing homes may not use such a detailed evaluation process, we have found that conducting this assessment best determines residents' required care and services. This process also more accurately determines the monthly fee, and sets up the individual for success upon a move.

New Resident Care Assessment- General Criteria

The Fall Risk History of the Senior

Has no history of falls.
Has had one fall in the last three months.
Has had more than one fall in the last three months.
PURPOSE: This helps our team evaluate if therapy may be needed upon a move in

The Seniors Mobility

Is independent in their mobility.
Requires reminders to use assistive devices.
Requires assistance (one or two persons) for transfers.
Requires assistance to utilize a wheelchair.
PURPOSE: This helps our team evaluate which apartment layout is the best fit, and which services (Dressing, Toileting, Transferring, Eating, etc.) our team can help with

The Seniors Awareness and Orientation

Shows clear orientation and awareness of people, places, and time.
Exhibits occasional confusion and some difficulty remembering details.
Needs some prompting to recall details.
Requires regular prompting due to disorientation and confusion.
Displays severe cognitive deficits and a history of poor judgment, creating potentially unsafe situations.
PURPOSE: This helps us evaluate if Assisted Living or Memory Care would be the best environment to set up the individual for success upon move-in, and/or if our licensed nurses need to assist with medications

We encourage potential residents and families to thoroughly review all aspects of the Birches community and staff, give us as much information related to the individual as possible (more the merrier!), and ask as many questions related to our approach to care as needed to feel comfortable and confident.

Selecting the right home for your senior family member begins with a proper resident assessment. We encourage family members to attend the resident evaluation to better understand how our community determine the required care. We believe this knowledge will assist in future care decisions as the resident's abilities and needs change.

Ongoing Evaluations

It is a standard practice of Birches Assisted Living and Memory Care staff to periodically conduct ongoing evaluations of our residents. These periodic evaluations ensure their abilities and care needs are reflected in our staff's planning.

The frequency of ongoing evaluations depends on state-mandated care plan assessments and whether a resident's capabilities are declining. While state regulations vary, at a minimum, a reassessment should be conducted annually, even if a resident does not show any decline.

Needs assessments are essential for seniors, whether living at home or moving into senior housing, to continually assess the services required for their care. We encourage family caregiver involvement in ongoing evaluations. Family presence at care plan meetings with Birches Assisted Living and Memory Care staff will ensure the best care of their family member and clearest communication possible.