Once a family decides to explore home care, the next step is usually an in-home care assessment. It’s a conversation, not a test, and it’s designed to understand your loved one as a whole person so the care plan fits. Knowing what to expect can make the visit feel easier for everyone.
Quick answer: An in-home care assessment is a visit, usually free, where a care coordinator meets your loved one and family to learn about health, daily routines, abilities, preferences, home safety, and goals. The information is used to recommend services, schedule, and caregiver matching, and to create a personalized care plan.
Why the In-Home Care Assessment Matters
Two people with the same diagnosis can need very different care. One may need help showering and a ride to church; another may need overnight support and dementia-trained supervision. The assessment helps tailor support to the real person, which is why it’s one of the most important parts of choosing the right home care provider.
What Happens During the Assessment
Every provider has its own process, but most assessments cover:
Health and Medical Background
Diagnoses, medications, recent hospital stays, allergies, physicians, and any instructions from the care team.
Daily Activities
How your loved one manages bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, moving around, and getting in and out of bed, plus household tasks like cooking, cleaning, shopping, and managing medications. Our article on what non-medical home care includes explains the kinds of help available.
Memory and Mood
Changes in memory, confusion, mood, or behavior, and whether supervision is needed.
Home Safety
A walk-through to look at stairs, bathrooms, lighting, and fall hazards.
Routines and Preferences
Wake-up times, favorite foods, hobbies, faith practices, how they like to be addressed, and what makes a good day. These details help a caregiver connect.
Family Involvement
Who’s currently helping, what hours need coverage, and how the family wants to stay informed.
Goals and Concerns
What matters most to your loved one and family, whether that’s staying home, getting stronger after surgery, or giving a spouse a break.
How to Prepare
- Make a list of medications, diagnoses, and doctors.
- Write down the tasks that are hardest right now.
- Note the times of day when help is most needed.
- Think about budget and payment options. See how to pay for home care.
- Include your loved one in the conversation as much as possible.
- Invite siblings or other decision-makers, in person or by phone.
Questions to Ask During the Visit
- How do you match caregivers with clients?
- How soon can care begin?
- What happens if the regular caregiver can’t come?
- How will the care plan be updated as needs change?
- How do you communicate with family?
- What does pricing look like for the schedule we’re discussing?
For a complete list, see our 25 questions to ask a home care agency.
What Happens After the Assessment
You’ll typically receive a recommended care plan and schedule. Once you decide to move forward, the provider matches a caregiver, confirms the start date, and shares the plan with everyone involved. Good providers revisit the plan regularly as needs change. Learn why that matters in the importance of personalized care plans.
Helping a Reluctant Parent Through the Visit
If your loved one is hesitant, frame the visit as “just a conversation” about making life easier. Let them lead where they can, and focus on their goals rather than their limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an in-home care assessment take?
Many take about an hour, sometimes longer when needs are complex.
Is there any obligation after the assessment?
Usually not. A free assessment is meant to help you understand options and make an informed decision.
How Briggs Home Care Can Help
Every Briggs Home Care relationship begins with a free, no-obligation in-home care assessment. We’ll get to know your loved one, answer your questions, and recommend a plan that fits. Explore our services, find a location near you, or call 1-833-960-CARE (2273).
Related Reading
- Start here: How to Choose the Right Home Care Provider for Your Family
- Agency Caregiver vs. Private Caregiver: Pros, Cons, and Hidden Risks
- How Many Hours of Home Care Does My Parent Need?
Trusted outside resource: Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living)
