4b. Example of a Trust Assessment

The Trust Assessment is a practical tool used by the Team Starter during the early stages of building a team. It helps identify any factors that may affect safety, wellbeing or mutual understanding: both for the person getting support and the people giving it. It isn’t a judgement or a gatekeeping tool. It’s a way to prepare well.

What follows is an example template showing the kinds of questions we ask and the themes we explore. Every Trust Assessment is co-created with the person getting support (and anyone they wish to involve), and only shared with consent.

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📝 Summary

• Who is this person? (e.g. name, age, a line or two about them in their own words)

• When did we visit? (Include date and time)

• Who was there? (Anyone else present during the visit or conversation)

• What kind of support are they looking for? (In their own terms, where possible)

• Where do they live? (Include any relevant info about the environment — e.g. type of housing, stairs, location)

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💊 Medication

• Do they take any medication?

• Will Equal Care workers be supporting them with it?

• Are there time-sensitive medications or side effects we should be aware of?

• Where is medication kept?

• Are there any safety concerns around how it’s currently being taken?

• Are there non-prescribed medications or substances (e.g. CBD, cannabis) that we need to be aware of when preparing a Medication Administration Record (MAR)?

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🚶 Movement and Mobility

• What mobility aids are used (if any)?

• Are there adaptations in place (e.g. grab rails, ramps)?

• Has an occupational therapist been involved recently?

• Are there known trip hazards in or around the home?

• Is their condition consistent, or does it vary from day to day?

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🌍 Getting Out and About

• Does the person leave the house regularly?

• Would they like to?

• What kind of support helps them do this safely (e.g. a car, someone to walk with)?

• Are there particular outings or activities that involve higher risk (e.g. heavy shopping)?

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🧭 Boundaries

• Are there personal preferences or boundaries that team members need to know and respect?

• Is there any past experience of boundary issues with support?

• How does the person like to manage communication (e.g. calls, messaging, when/how to check in)?

• Are there ways to help reinforce healthy boundaries from the beginning?

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🧠 Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

• Are there current mental health needs or diagnoses?

• Are any supports already in place (e.g. medication, therapy)?

• What might help during a low or distressed period?

• Who should be contacted if support is needed in a crisis?

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🦠 Protection from Infection

• Is the person immunocompromised?

• Do they want workers to wear PPE?

• Are they prone to infections such as UTIs, or managing a catheter?

• Are they vaccinated against key illnesses (e.g. flu, COVID)?

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⚕️ Illness or Injury Management

• Are there existing injuries or illnesses we should be aware of?

• Could anything worsen without careful support?

• Are there triggers that might lead to decline (e.g. stress, dietary issues)?

• What does recovery or management look like?

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🧾 Team Starter’s View

(Here the Team Starter adds any other relevant considerations to help the team stay informed and confident. This might include things like emotional dynamics, logistical issues, or notes about the handover to team members.)

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This document is shared only with consent from the person getting support and is used to ensure that everyone coming into the team feels prepared, confident, and clear about what’s needed.