How Would I benefit from the Single Assessment Process?
The single assessment process is a new way of performing an assessment of those adults who have a social care or healthcare need. It helps make sure that the consumer gets the care services that they need as soon as possible. It does this in several different ways, mainly because it works quite differently than other assessments. It involves several different health and social care organisations working together with the consumer. This is how the process allows the consumer to receive their services as quickly as possible, as the information received from the assessment is shared between all of the professionals that might be involved in caring for the consumer.
Using the single assessment process means that the consumer does not have to undergo a series of different assessments, one for each professional or agency working to provide for the consumer’s needs. Instead, the information attained from the one assessment is shared with each provider or agency involved.
There are several other benefits to the single assessment process. Not only does it allow for different providers to work together on one consumer’s needs but it also just simplifies the process for the consumer as well. It is much easier for someone experienced a health or care issue to just undergo one assessment, rather than a series of them. The consumer is also given far more choice during the assessment process, including their personal care planning. Allow for a better information stream can mean that the most accurate information is always maintained by the professionals, allowing for more control over the consumer’s care.
How Does the Single Assessment Process Work?
The assessment process includes gathering information that will help providers assess your needs, especially those that impact your ability to live independently. The assessment also allows the consumer to plan appropriate action for you. Your wishes related to your care are taken into account during the assessment process and the assessment will not only identify your needs. Instead, it will also include evaluation of your abilities and your strengths. This gives you the power to be part of the conversation about your care and what you want.
Social care staff or a health care provider will complete the Contact Assessment, along with an Overview Assessment if it’s determined that one is needed. Those providers who are regularly involved in your care, or will be, will have access to your assessment. You can also give permission to others to see your assessment if you so choose.
For you, the consumer, there are several benefits to the single assessment process. You do not have to share the same information repeatedly with different providers. You don’t have to fill out nearly as many forms as with a more complex assessment process. You will also still receive a comprehensive assessment as each provider will know exactly what your needs are and what services you are currently receiving. Lastly, your providers will be able to discuss your services with each other, allowing for a more comprehensive service and care plan. There are currently four options being offered under the single assessment process. These are the contact assessment, overview assessment, specialist assessments, and comprehensive assessment.
For you, the consumer, there are several benefits to the single assessment process. Only undergoing one assessment allows you to only share your information one time, rather than several times during different assessments. It also means not having to repeat your needs or plans more than once. This can alleviate much of the pressure that accompanies knowing that you need long term care. Having only one assessment with the single assessment process can take a lot of stress out of an already stressful process.