Home assessments in old age psychiatry

Abstract

“For people to be successfully supported at home, a comprehensive assessment is an essential first step.” (Audit Commission, 2000: p. 43.)Home visits by old age psychiatrists remain popular with elderly patients, their carers and general practitioners (GPs). Home assessments by various disciplines working with older people have been endorsed as a sign of good practice by the Audit Commission (2000) in their recent national report on mental health services for older people: “Assessment at home is often better as people are most likely to behave and communicate in their normal way in familiar surroundings. Staff can also build a more accurate picture of people's needs and learn the views of their carers. Professionals can observe whether there is adequate food in the house, whether people can make themselves a hot drink, and whether there are any likely risks from poor hygiene or fire hazards.” (Audit Commission, 2000: p. 43.)