When Is a Significant-Change Assessment Needed?

Common reasons for reassessment

• Hospitalization or emergency-care episode
• Functional or mobility decline
• New cognitive or behavioral change
• Significant fall
• Major medication or treatment change
• New level of personal-care support

Focused, but still person-centered

The RN evaluates the reported change within the resident’s broader clinical context and documents how current support or safety needs may be affected.

Care planning may also need review

When assessed needs change, the individualized or negotiated care plan may need to be updated so daily guidance remains current.