ABSTRACT
This chapter describes assessment processes and procedures, with an emphasis on how to implement a person-centered, "Flip the Rehab Model" approach, based on the principles of life participation. Appropriate person-centered and functional intervention is dependent on assessment that allows for identification of the person's cognitive and communicative deficits associated with dementia, as well as pinpointing functional strengths. Selection of assessment tools and interpretation of results will be influenced by a clinician's assumptions and understanding of the effects of normal aging versus dementia syndromes on cognition and communication. In planning for functional outcomes, the clinician will identify how to improve the client's functional behaviors by either treating the cognitive, language, and communication deficits, or by modifying the environment. Regardless of the purpose for assessment, screenings of sensory functioning should always be conducted to ensure that the client can perceive assessment stimuli and potential cues for functional and compensatory treatment strategies.
