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What to expect from a professional home-care assessment
Who will be there, what we’ll talk about, and how the conversation shapes a care plan.
A care consultation, sometimes called an assessment, is where a home care plan begins. It’s a conversation, not a test, and it helps everyone agree on what support will make the biggest difference.
Who is involved
Usually the person receiving care, one or two family members if they wish, and a care coordinator. The person receiving care should be part of every decision.
What you’ll talk about
- Daily routines, and what a good day looks like.
- Tasks that have become difficult, such as bathing, dressing, meals or getting around.
- Health conditions, medications and any recent hospital stays, at the level you’re comfortable sharing.
- Safety at home: stairs, bathrooms, lighting and equipment.
- Preferences about caregivers, language, culture and schedule.
- Who in the family should be kept informed, and how.
What happens after
You receive a care plan that sets out the support, the schedule and the cost, confirmed in writing. Caregivers are matched to the plan, and the plan is reviewed as needs change.
Helpful to have ready
- A list of current medications.
- Hospital discharge papers, if there was a recent stay.
- Your health benefits details, if you plan to use them.
- A few questions you want answered.
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.