What to Expect During Your First In-Home Consultation: A Closer Look at Our Assessments

When you or a loved one begins care at home, the first step is often the most important: a comprehensive in-home consultation. At Homewatch CareGivers of Henderson, this visit is more than a meet-and-greet — it's a key moment to understand the full picture of a person’s health, abilities, preferences, and goals.

Here’s a closer look at the types of assessments we perform — and why they matter:

Fall Risk & Home Safety Assessment

Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults. We evaluate mobility, balance, use of assistive devices, and environmental risks in the home.
This helps us put immediate safety measures in place — like removing trip hazards or recommending grab bars — and tailor care accordingly.

ADLs and IADLs Evaluation

ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) include tasks like bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating.
IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) cover things like cooking, managing medications, transportation, and finances.
Understanding what someone can do independently vs. where they need help allows us to build a support plan that promotes autonomy while ensuring safety.

Cognitive Screening (GPCOG)

The General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG) is a quick, non-invasive screening tool used to detect possible cognitive changes.
While not a diagnostic test, it can highlight signs of memory loss or early dementia, allowing families and healthcare providers to take proactive steps.

Pain and Sleep Assessment

Unmanaged pain or poor sleep can drastically affect mood, mobility, and overall health.
We ask about chronic discomfort, medication use, sleep patterns, and fatigue levels — often uncovering needs that may not have been discussed previously.

Medical & Social History + Personal Preferences

We review relevant diagnoses, medications, allergies, and recent hospitalizations, but also ask about hobbies, routines, and what makes someone feel safe and happy at home.
This helps us offer truly personalized care — not just task-based service.

Ongoing Reassessment & Care Coordination

These assessments aren’t just done once. We re-evaluate regularly to track progress, adjust care, and respond to changes.
With the client’s consent, results can also be shared with doctors, therapists, or nurses involved in care — ensuring alignment across all providers.

Why It Matters

The first consultation sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s how we listen, learn, and create a care plan that honors each person’s story — not just their diagnosis.

If you’re considering care for yourself or someone you love, reach out to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We’re here to support your journey — with compassion, professionalism, and respect. Contact us today to learn more.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Preventing Falls in Older Adults: https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
• National Institute on Aging (NIA) – Activities of Daily Living: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/activities-daily-living
• Australian Government Department of Health – GPCOG Cognitive Screening Tool: https://agedcare.health.gov.au/health-professionals/clinical-resources/general-practitioner-assessment-of-cognition-gpcog
• National Sleep Foundation – How Pain Affects Sleep: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/pain-management/pain-and-sleep
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) – Care Coordination: https://www.ahrq.gov/ncepcr/care/coordination.html