Sally has not been managing well at home and so she, her family and the nurse agree that there needs to be a holistic review of her living arrangements.
A person-centred holistic assessment includes reviewing all areas of living.
It’s about getting to know the person behind the patient.
It is important that we understand the knock-on effects that one has on the other. As Sally is having difficulty coping at home, it is important that she is referred for a multi-agency review.
Part of this would look at Sally’s environment and how safe she is and how well she copes. If there are areas needing improved, Sally could be provided with aid or assistance in order to ensure that she is able to stay at home or in a homely environment where she is safe and happy.
Things that you would need to consider are:
- The layout of the house
- Accessibility to all rooms
- Her ability to do housework and make meals.
These may change when there is a change in their health, particularly with older people. It is therefore important that a person-centred review is carried out at every consultation.
Pulse point
Look at your own areas referral pathways for people living alone with long term conditions like Sally. Further resources you may find useful:
Page last reviewed: 29 Jul 2020
