behovsudredning

Behovsudredning, or needs assessment, is a structured, person-centered process used primarily within social services to identify a person’s current and anticipated support needs and to determine which services, benefits, or equipment are appropriate. The goal is to create a transparent basis for planning and delivering assistance that supports independence, safety, and participation in daily life.

The assessment is typically conducted for adults and sometimes for younger people in transition between services, and it is commonly applied in areas such as home care, disability support, elderly care, and rehabilitation. It covers a broad range of domains, including activities of daily living, physical and cognitive function, health status, housing and living conditions, mobility, communication, social participation, safety, and personal goals.

The process involves information gathering from the person and often from relatives or informal caregivers, sometimes with home visits or assessments in care settings. Professionals may use interviews, observations, and standardised assessment tools, and they conduct risk and safeguarding considerations. Findings are documented in an assessment report and used to formulate a care plan with recommendations on services, intensity of support, equipment, home adjustments, and follow-up arrangements.

Outcomes often determine eligibility for services or funding and guide the design of a tailored support package. Ethical and legal considerations include ensuring informed consent, protecting privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and upholding a rights-based, person-centered approach. Regular review and revision of the plan are standard to adapt to changing needs.