Emerging tensions in the use of assessment tools in home and community care

Access to community care services for older people and younger people with disabilities is based on the assessed needs of individuals seeking assistance to remain at home in the community. This paper reviews literature related to use of assessment tools in community care in the context of findings from a Victorian study that focussed upon initial needs assessment processes in home and community care. The trend toward more formalised (and potentially standardised) assessment tools in community care assessment may give rise to unintended tensions that potentially undermine the critical thinking and flexibility required to assess need across diverse populations. Training and professional development for community care assessment, where the focus is on critical thinking, rather than on the use of assessment tools alone is suggested.