CASE

You have been asked to attend a home visit to undertake an intake assessment for Bob. Prior to the visit, you conduct a risk assessment to identify any hazards that may pose a risk to Bob, his wife, yourself or your colleagues. During the risk assessment you identify that Bob has a dog that has been known to bite strangers entering the property. You make a note of the hazard on the organisation's risk assessment form and report it to your supervisor. Your supervisor suggests that Bob may be willing to secure the dog in a different part of the house so that you are able to attend the assessment of Bob's environment and gain an accurate depiction of his needs. Bob agrees to lock the dog in the back room prior to your visit.

Upon your arrival Bob invites you into his home and introduces you to his wife, Nelly. After introducing yourself to Bob and Nelly, you explain that your organisational policy requires that all people accessing the service for the first time undergo an initial needs assessment. You explain the assessment process and give Bob a copy of the privacy policy, taking time to disclose his rights with regard to privacy, confidentiality and the sharing of information. You question Bob about his rights and the assessment process to confirm that he understands. Bob is able to answer your questions appropriately. Bob completes and signs a consent form to indicate his willingness to undergo the assessment. He signs a second consent form, indicating that he gives permission for his information to be shared with his GP and psychologist.

You arrive at Bob's house to conduct an intake assessment. Bob is an 85 year-old man who recently fell at home and broke his arm. Bob is a very active man who cares for his wife Nelly, who suffers from dementia. Bob has Type 2 diabetes, which he manages well. He also has osteoarthritis in his knees, which affects his mobility. He does not use any walking aids. His wife, Nelly, is present when you sit down to talk to Bob. Bob tells you that he has no children and no other family support. Bob is finding it very hard to care for Nelly, as he is getting older and less mobile, and she is becoming more confused. He explains that the stress of his current circumstances has led him to become short-tempered and he feels very depressed. You notice that Nelly has bruises on her arms and a bruised eye. When you ask about the bruises, Bob avoids answering and changes the subject.

Bob tells you he has given up on life and just wants to end it. He explains that he feels like he has lost the wife he used to know and now feels like he is living with a stranger. He tells you that he is missing the person that she used to be and that he feels totally alone. Bob explains that due to Nelly's increasing care needs and his difficulty mobilising, he rarely leaves the house and has lost contact with his friends. Bob tells you that he has started drinking alcohol to numb his pain, and indicates to you that he now drinks a cask of wine per day.

QUESTION

Give two examples of services or networks that you could consult throughout the assessment process.

- Explain how these services may contribute to the assessment process.

- Explain two ways a specialist can contribute to the assessment process.