Assessment overview
Assessment is an important first step in providing an absorbent product.
Through an assessment you will gather information about the person’s health, activity and ability and where they will use the absorbent product.
All of the information will help you and the person select the best absorbent product for them.
If the person already uses absorbent products, use the assessment to check whether the absorbent product(s) are meeting their needs or not.
Whenever you see this icon on the form, it means that the person may need referral.
The absorbent product assessment form will guide you through the assessment and selection process.
The assessment form includes questions to ask the person to understand:
- If they have health problems that require referral
- The person’s difficulties with bladder or bowel control
- Personal preferences for product choices.
If you haven’t already, download the assessment form and print a copy.
If you are unable to download the form, don’t worry. Each of the questions on the form are clearly shown as you go through this section of the module.
People may find it hard to discuss having leaks.
Remember the ideas and tips covered in the TAP Self care module to help discuss issues about self care.
Discussion
What can you do to make it easier for people to discuss leaks?
You can find some suggestions below. You and your group may think of others.
- Make sure the discussion is in a private space
- Ask the person who they would like to have present
- Listen to the words the person uses to describe what is happening. You can use similar words when discussing their continence.
- Reassure the person that many people have problems with leaks, and that leaks are something that you cannot control.
To carry out the assessment, find a quiet, private space to sit with the person.
Explain to the person that you would like to ask some questions about their leaks.
Always ask if the person is happy to talk about this with you. Also ask if they would like their family members or a carer to be part of the conversation.
Their answers will help you to work with them to make a plan. The plan can be documented on the assessment form.
Information about the person
The first part of the TAP assessment is to collect contact information about the person including their name, gender, age, telephone and address.
The following topics will explain more about the rest of the assessment questions and how a person’s answers can guide selection of the right absorbent product.
