Intellectual Disability
Health assessment for people with an intellectual disability
A free health assessment is available every 12 months for patients with an intellectual disability to assist in identifying any medical interventions and preventative health care required.
What is included in a health assessment?
The health assessment includes looking at a patient with an intellectual disability’s physical, social functioning and psychological health.
- Taking patient’s measurements including; blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen, weight, height and waist.
- Collating information including; medications used, mental health, involvement of other health professionals providing care.
- The patient’s continence. current immunisation status
- The patient’s activities of daily living and physical function is assessed.
- The patient’s psychological function is assessed, including questions about the patient’s mood and cognition.
- The patient’s social functioning is assessed
- The patient’s oral health, hearing and vision
- The patient’s nutrition status.
- The patients sexual development and sexual activity
Who undertakes the health assessment?
The health assessment will be undertaken by a Registered Nurse. Following the assessment and collection of information, the doctor will discuss their findings and recommendations with you.
- Further examinations and investigations may be required
- Appropriate interventions may be recommended
- Advice and information will be provided to the patient;
- A record of the health assessment will be kept in the patients file, and the patient can be offered a written report with recommendations from the health assessment,
Are there any costs for the health assessment?
The health assessment can be bulk billed through Medicare yearly.
How long will it take?
The health assessment will take between 45 minutes to 75 minutes
Requirements
The patients carer or other disability professional (case managers responsible for assessing and facilitating the patients disability services) should be present during the health assessment (subject to the patients agreement) to provide information relevant.
Please bring a list of all medical professionals (dates of last appointments, tests undertaken and follow-up appointments dates) involved with the patients general and ongoing health requirements.
Book your Health Assessment in the Shire today
At Shire Doctors and Dentists, we are committed to providing high quality patient care, excellence, and safety, in addition to good value treatment and management.
If you or your loved one have an intellectual disability, consider booking a Health Assessment at Shire Doctors and Dentists today. Please do not hesitate to arrange an appointment online or call us on 02 9063 8650 to schedule an appointment.
