Initial Evaluation

As always, the initial evaluation must begin with assessing cognition. Does this person have the cognitive abilities to make decisions that will result in an ability to function safely in the home? Remember that a person with a physical deficit can learn compensatory techniques to remain safe and independent; however, the person with cognitive deficits may be unable to learn. Often, it is crucial to discover this information on the first visit, as the patient may need immediate assistance in the home.

In home health, the initial evaluator must score the patients on their ability to perform basic skills. This information is recorded on the OASIS evaluation and the scores result in the HERG score which determines the amount of money the home health agency will receive for each episode (60-day period). Obviously, it is paramount that these scores are accurate. There is a five-day window from initial evaluation until these scores must be “locked.” During that time it is essential that all disciplines have input into the scores and just as importantly, that they understand how to score accurately. 

Assess Cognition

How can the evaluator assess cognition and discover the Allen level or stage of dementia on the first visit? You need only observe the client performing familiar, routine, procedural activities, as well as new activities that require the use of the working memory. The OASIS requires that the client is observed performing the components for grooming, dressing and bathing, preparing a light meal, doing laundry, housekeeping, shopping, using the telephone, and managing medications. If these activities are observed, a therapist can use the scoring of the Routine Task Inventory to determine a patient’s cognitive level. Or the evaluator might use the FAST scale to determine the patient’s stage of dementia.

Frequently, it is not possible to actually observe all the above-mentioned activities. If the client appears independent and safe in basic care activities, it is important to observe activities that require working memory. This is often easily accessed in the client’s home.

Often the client has appliances in the home that are relatively new. I just evaluated a client who was an accountant and highly valued balancing his checkbook. His checkbook was accurate (he only pays 3 to 4 bills a month), but he was unable to show me how to use the microwave, or the remote control for his TV. Using the microwave or the remote control was not in his procedural memory; balancing his checkbook was. The caregiver reported that he had been instructed on the use of these many times, but he was unable to retain that information. One can assume that he has significant difficulties retaining new information. This is indicative of Early Stage dementia and Allen Cognitive Level 4 performance.

Communicate With Family and Caregivers


Communication with the family and caregivers is a vital component for obtaining an accurate assessment of the person’s abilities and deficits. The person performing at Low 4 Allen Level is usually unaware of his or her deficits. This patient will often tell the evaluator that his/her memory is good and that he/she is paying the bills and strictly following the diabetic diet. Yet, when the evaluator talks with the caregivers, it is reported that the son has been handling the finances for a year, and when the evaluator looks in the refrigerator, just muffins and cookies are found. 

Remember, this patient is not lying or in denial; the patient is telling the evaluator what he/she believes to be true. The patient is no longer aware of deficits, but will fool the person who bases assessment solely on the patient’s report.

Remember that the person who is performing at Low 4 Allen Level will continue to perform well in activities that are highly familiar to them. This means, if the person always used power tools, or a sewing machine, or had advanced knowledge concerning gardening or electronics, the person performing at Low 4 Allen Level may perform these familiar, complex tasks with only minor errors. Therefore, to make an accurate assessment based on functional performance, one must know the person’s history and interests. The evaluator may need to interview family or a caregiver to discover this information. With this knowledge, the evaluator can feel confident in his/her ability to make recommendations that will allow the patient to be safe, functional, and feel productive.

Determine Deficits

It is usually easier to determine deficits and the stage of dementia when we visit persons who are requiring consistent assistance from caregivers for basic care tasks. A person who is using his/her hands to manipulate objects or assist with steps of basic tasks, but is unable to sequence through basic ADL tasks due to cognitive deficits, is performing in the middle stage of dementia, Allen Cognitive Level 3. As part of the evaluation, it still remains essential that the therapist discover the valued interests, likes, and dislikes of the patient.

Establish a Plan of Care

Once the evaluator has established the cognitive abilities (and deficits) of the patient, a plan of care is established which may include recommendations for caregiver assistance. If the patient is performing with very early signs of dementia, we know the client may require just daily checks in their familiar environment, to ensure safety and performance of basic daily tasks. If the patient is demonstrating further deficits and low 4 or level 3 Allen behaviors, then the evaluator must recommend 24-hour care for this patient, in order to ensure the patient’s safety. The treatment plan should include environmental adaptations and caregiver education, always with an emphasis on maintaining the patient’s engagement in valued activities.


In my opinion, the patient’s home is the best place to complete an accurate assessment. Evaluation is a powerful task; it begins the process of improving safety and quality of life for the patient and the caregiver.

Wound Care

ParaMed nurses provide comprehensive wound care management ranging from chronic to post-surgical. Our nurses are experienced in wound and ostomy care, and can help answer questions for the client or family caregiver. We focus on providing quality care for complex or hard-to-heal wounds. Our specialized wound care nurses are recognized for their expertise and highly effective, evidence-based treatments. We visit the home to assess patient needs and then work with the referring physician to develop a specific plan of care.

Scope of Service

  • Assessment, monitoring and management of surgical wounds
  • Assessment, monitoring and management of pressure sores/ ulcers
  • Wound dressing management
  • Patient and family education on how to care for and dress the wound
  • Medication and Pain Management

ParaMed’s team of wound care clinicians integrates diverse evidence-based information, best practice strategies and multidisciplinary collaboration. The ParaMed wound care team translates its knowledge into clinical practice through actual bedside and hands-on wound care that includes assessment, management and continuing evaluation.