Assessment
A structured in-home evaluation of a prospective client's functional, cognitive, and safety status used to build the care plan and determine appropriate service levels. Typically conducted by a care coordinator at the start of service.
Also known as: assessment · intake assessment · initial assessment · functional assessment · in-home assessment · client evaluation
An assessment is the clinical and functional evaluation conducted before services begin. It establishes a client's ADL and IADL dependency levels, cognitive status, fall risk, medication needs, home safety conditions, and caregiver preferences.
Findings from the assessment directly populate the care plan: task lists, frequency, caregiver skill requirements, and authorization requests.
Assessments are also conducted at regular intervals throughout the care relationship to detect changes in client condition. A significant change — such as a hospitalization or fall — typically triggers a reassessment.
In home care, this means…
Conducted by a care coordinator during intake, and repeated on a scheduled or event-triggered basis. Assessment findings are the source of truth for care plan content and authorization requests.
Related terms
Care Plan →
An individualized document specifying a client's care needs, approved service tasks, frequency, duration, and caregiver assignments. It is the operational blueprint for every shift and the legal basis for billing Medicaid and insurance payers.
Intake →
The end-to-end onboarding process for a new client, from initial inquiry through completed assessment, signed service agreement, and first scheduled shift. Intake establishes the client record, payer eligibility, and care plan.
Acuity →
A measure of a client's overall care complexity and dependency level, based on ADL limitations, cognitive status, medical equipment needs, and behavioral factors. Higher acuity clients require more skilled caregivers and closer supervisory oversight.
ADL (Activities of Daily Living) →
Personal self-care tasks individuals perform daily, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and mobility. In home care, caregiver assistance with ADLs is the primary service delivered.
Authorization →
A payer-issued approval to deliver and bill for specific services within a defined period or unit limit. Authorizations must be in place before scheduling any Medicaid, VA, or insurance-funded services.
Care Coordinator →
An office-based staff member responsible for conducting client assessments, managing care plans, overseeing service quality, and serving as the primary point of contact for clients and families.