DSHS requires an assessment for all Washington State Adult Family Home residents. The resident's needs and preferences must be accurately assessed. It's utilized to learn about the resident's care needs.

Before admitting a resident, an AFH provider must know their needs and preferences. Within 30 days of admission, AFH providers will use the preliminary service information and the assessment to produce a Negotiated Care plan.

AFH providers must ensure assessments incorporate minimal WAC 388-76-10335 material. Revamps Assessment exceeds expectations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• Recent medical history;
• Current prescribed medications, and contraindicated medications, including but not limited to, medications known to cause adverse reactions or allergies;
• Medical diagnosis reported by the resident, the resident representative, family member, or by a licensed medical professional;
• Medication management:
  • The ability of the resident to be independent in managing medications;
  • The amount of medication assistance needed;
  • If medication administration is required; or
  • If a combination of the elements in (a) through (c) above is required.
• Food allergies or sensitivities;
• Significant known behaviors or symptoms that may cause concern or require special care, including:
  • The need for and use of medical devices; 
  • The refusal of care or treatment; and
  • Any mood or behavior symptoms that the resident has had within the last five years.
• Cognitive status, including an evaluation of disorientation, memory impairment, and impaired judgment;
• History of depression and anxiety;
• History of mental illness, if applicable;
• Social, physical, and emotional strengths and needs;
• Functional abilities in relationship to activities of daily living including:
  • Eating;
  • Toileting;
  • Walking;
  • Transferring;
  • Positioning;
  • Personal hygiene;
  • Dressing; and
  • Bathing.
• Preferences and choices about daily life that are important to the resident, including but not limited to:
  • The food that the resident enjoys;
  • Meal times; and
  • Sleeping and nap times.
• Activities

The initial service plan contains the resident's problems, needs, goals, and preferences. It includes how care needs and denial of treatment will enhance safety and health.

When there is a major change in the resident's physical or mental health, when the negotiated care plan no longer reflects the resident's status, needs, or preferences, or at the provider or resident's request, the evaluation must be updated.

Face-to-face assessments take 30-1.5 hours. It takes hours to type following the face-to-face meeting. The assessment should be returned within 5 to 2 weeks. If possible, plan ahead.

Only in an emergency may an adult family home admit a resident without an assessment or preliminary service plan. To demonstrate a true emergency, the home must prove that the person's life, health, or safety is in danger at his or her existing residence or that the resident has been harmed. Five days after admission, the assessment must be done.