Assessment of Older People's Health and Social Care Needs and ...

Discussion Points Followingthe Third Session--I--~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--~~~---During the discussion following the third session of the Conference, the issues raised were:• dementia patients and assessment• the auditing of an assessment process.Dementia Patients and AssessmentA question was asked about the approach taken to the disclosure to patients of their diagnosis ofdementia during an assessment process with reference to the approach in the UK. It was stated thatevery effort was made to involve people suffering from dementia as much as possible in theassessment process. Trying to reflect the views of people with dementia in Care Plans presents aparticular challenge. Since people with dementia may not have a real understanding of their abilities,their life situation or what others can do for them, difficulties arise in getting their realistic input intoa decision-making process.Auditing an Assessment ProcessThe difficulties that might arise in carrying out an audit of assessment approaches in instances wherestandardised tools had not been used were explored. In reply it was stated that most assessmentscales had been designed for intended usage in research on populations, rather than for individualassessment purposes. Audits of the benefits of the assessment process, should look at whetherassessed needs have been met and whether, in reality, individual independence has been maintainedor improved.Assessment of Older People's Health and Social Care Needs and Preferences