Assessment
One key part of doing well for people is properly understanding their needs from the outset. This is achieved through thorough assessment.
Assessment starts when we receive referral information - this is promptly reviewed by senior clinicians and is the first step in establishing whether or not Castlebeck might be able to meet the needs of the person referred to us.
If we feel we might be able to support somebody in our services we will offer to meet them where they live, to assess them with those who know them well, in order to gain a better understanding of their needs, wishes, aspirations and those of family members, involved professionals and other key parties.
Assessment by nursing and care staff, as well as by the multi-disciplinary clinical team is ongoing through the first 10 to 12 weeks of somebody being within our services, and indeed through their time with us.
We seek to establish the nature and degree of challenge that a person may present and to gain an understanding of the communicative function of any challenging behaviour, and to understand whether or not they may have mental and or physical health problems (sometimes undiagnosed) which might contribute towards their presentation.
Throughout the assessment, staff will seek to engage with and relate to the person in a respectful way. As a person makes the transition into our services, staff will aim to get their views on all of the issues which have a bearing on their needs and well-being.
Part of the assessment process will involve agreeing on key objectives with the service user, as well as family members and referring or commissioning team members and significant others.
