Attendant Care / Care Needs Evaluations

What is an attendant care/care needs evaluation?

An attendant care/care needs evaluation is often completed by an Occupational Therapist and is intended to evaluate how much help a client requires to safely complete daily activities in his or her environment. This may include bathing, dressing, toileting, ambulating, bed mobility, transfers, and what to do in an emergency situation.

Who asks for an attendant care/care needs evaluation?

Often times, physicians and insurance companies will request an attendant care/care needs evaluation. As a client  progresses or following home modification or the addition of medical equipment, it is important to identify what opportunities may be available to continue to promote client independence and recovery. By addressing a client’s care needs, he or she may be better able to explain challenges that may necessitate a modification to the person, the environment, or the task in question. 

What happens after an attendant care/care needs evaluation?

A report describing the client’s ability to care for him or herself and the level of assistance needed. This report is then provided to all the necessary parties  for review. Ultimately, a physician needs to sign off on the recommended number of care hours recommended by the therapist before any changes are officially made to one’s prescribed level of attendant care/hourly support.