Living Skills Assessment
When someone is having- or may have- problems living alone, a living skills assessment, administered by a social worker and occupational therapist may be helpful in providing recommendations for assistance. This 2-hour evaluation consists of the following components:
- Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS)
- Kitchen Task Assessment
- Medication Administration Assessment
- Functional Behavioral Profile
- Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist
- Zarit Burden Interview
At the end of the evaluation, recommendations are provided to the ordering physician, patient and/or caregivers. Some common recommendations:
- Assistance for:
- Housekeeping
- Cooking
- Managing finances
- Safety/supervision
- Managing illnesses and emergencies
- Administering medications
- Telephone use
- Transportation
- Leisure activities
- Education (estate planning, advanced directives, insurance)
- Community support group
- Stress management/coping skills
- Respite care (adult day care, meals on wheels, etc)
- Therapy/nursing assistance in the home
- Alternative transportation
Recommendations are provided by the social worker and occupational therapist to the family at the end of the evaluation session. (we always explain that the physician will receive a copy of our report and will discuss final decisions with them.)