Complete medical assessments and exact diagnoses can be conducted by most ACAS
personnel, as they have their own geriatrician or a medical practitioner experienced in
gerontology.
If this is not the case a professional should be consulted on the medical
aspects of the assessment.
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ASSESSMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUNG CLIENTS WITH A DISABILITY
In cases where a young person with a disability needs permanent residential care (as
stated in their assessment), the appropriate regional office of the Department of Human
Services, Disability Services should thoroughly check the care options available before
assessing the individual for admittance to a residential aged care or aged care package.
In the Disability Services
–
Aged Care Assessment Services Protocol 2009, the role of the
ACAS delegate includes processed on how to assess young people with a disability.
Aged psychiatric assessment teams (APATs) and ACAS:
The ACAS and APATs (also known as psychiatric geriatric assessment teams (PGATs) in
some areas) have distinctive and integral roles. The first point of contact for an elderly
individual (aged 65 years and over) looking for mental illness support and treatment
referral is APATs.
This client group covers:
Complications connected with ageing
Schizophrenia and anxiety
Natural illnesses such as dementia
3
Through these assessments you will be able to determine the client’s ability to
self-
advocate and make appropriate and safe decisions for themselves. If you are at all
concerned about their ability to self-advocate you will need to refer them on or takes
steps to advocate for them.
3
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INITIATE, NEGOTIATE AND IMPLEMENT RELEVANT STRATEGIES
FOR ADDRESSING CLIENT RIGHTS AND NEEDS IN
COLLABORATION WITH THE CLIENT
The health or community professional can determine a broad scope understanding of
the client by initially discussing their needs, objectives, expectations and aspirations.
Be aware that due to low self-esteem or distress it may be hard for them to engage with
you. Often there are hidden issues that may not be presented or communicated in the
early stages of communication. The following lists the skills and knowledge community
and/or disability workers should possess when developing and implementing strategies
for clients:
Forming mutual relationships with clients, to deal with all problems involved
Assessing the client’s needs and engaging relevant services
Forming a mutual relationship with the client, sufficiently dealing with issues
in order to:
o
Possess facilitative communication skills to help clients tell you their
concerns
o
Establish trustful and respectful relationships utilising communication
skills and defined boundaries
o
Make sure that clients develop their own plans of action focused on
their situation
o
