A care plan is a written document that helps ensure all aspects of an individual’s care are addressed and that the client receives the personalised support they require. A care plan will outline the required level of support, how it will be provided, the goal and aim of the care and any other essential information.
As we or our loved ones age or face health challenges, the need for care and support becomes important. However, care is not just about providing physical assistance or help with daily living tasks, but also about meeting emotional, social, and psychological needs. A care plan ensures all aspects of a person’s physical and mental needs are met so that they can live a fulfilling and independent life.
Here we will explore what a care plan is, who creates them, and why they are so important for those who need care.
Why are Care Plans Important?
Care plans are essential for anyone who requires assistance and support to maintain their quality of life. They are created collaboratively by the client and their healthcare provider, and outline the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and goals for care. Care plans serve a crucial role in ensuring that clients receive tailored and appropriate support, enabling them to remain as independent as possible and retain control over their lives.
One of the primary reasons care plans are crucial is that they help individuals receiving care maintain as much independence as possible. By outlining specific needs and goals, care plans ensure that support is provided in a manner that allows people to continue making their own choices and living life on their terms.
Care plans also help individuals to have as much control over their lives as possible, even in situations where they may require some practical assistance. These plans are designed to be personalised and focused on the client’s unique circumstances, preferences, and goals, providing a roadmap for the care they receive. This means that clients can play an active role in their care, making decisions that align with their values and lifestyle.
The Different Types of Care Plans
In addition to general care and support plans, there are specialised plans that cater to individuals with specific and often complex care requirements. Such plans may be geared towards individuals requiring nursing care or those living with dementia.
Here are some of the distinctions between these various types of care plans:
- Nursing care plan – This type of plan is designed for those who need medical care and support, such as administering medication, wound care or other clinical interventions.
- Dementia care plan – This type of care plan is designed for people living with dementia and focuses on supporting their unique needs, such as memory care, activities to maintain cognitive abilities and emotional support.
- Palliative/End-of-life care plan – A palliative care plan is designed for people with life-limiting illnesses and aims to manage their symptoms while ensuring their choices and wishes are met right up to the end of their life.
- Respite care plan – This type of care plan provides temporary relief for caregivers and family members, allowing them to take a break and recharge while their loved one receives care.
- Hospital discharge plan – This type of care plan is designed for people who are being discharged from the hospital and need a plan in place for their ongoing care and support.
- Reablement care plan – This type of care plan is designed to support people in regaining their independence and relearning daily living skills after a period of illness or injury.
What Should a Care Plan Include?
A care plan should be comprehensive and specifically tailored to the individual needs of the person requiring care. It should include the following essential elements:
- What’s important to you: This section should cover the care seeker’s values and beliefs, what’s important to them and their preferred ways of doing things.
- What you can do yourself: This section of the care plan should highlight the care seeker’s abilities, what they can do independently and what support they need to perform specific tasks.
- Medical history and details: This section should detail the person’s medical history and current health status. It should show what support they need to maintain their independence.
- Equipment, home adaptations, or specific medical care needed: This section should specify any equipment, home adaptations, or specific medical care that the person requires to manage their health condition or maintain their independence.
- Details of continuity of care and emergency contacts: This section of the care plan should include details of the care providers who will be providing care to care and how the care will be coordinated. It should also include emergency contacts in case of any emergencies.
- Details of end-of-life care, if required: This section should contain details about the individual’s wishes regarding end-of-life care.
- Details of key dates and life events: This section is particularly important for people living with dementia. It should include details of key dates and life events that are important to the individual, such as their birthday, wedding anniversary or other significant milestones.
- Hobbies, likes, dislikes, and preferences: This section should detail the person’s preferences on meals, daily routine, and leisure activities to ensure that their care plan is tailored to their lifestyle.
- Who is paying for the care: This section should outline who is paying for the care, whether it’s the care seeker, their family, or the local council. It can also include the payment details, such as the cost of care, billing information, and payment terms.
How Often Should a Care Plan Be Reviewed?
Regular review of the care plan is essential to ensure that the individual’s needs are being met and positive outcomes are being achieved. A review should take place at least once every 12 months, but every 3 months is considered ideal. This frequency ensures that any changes in the care seeker’s needs can be addressed promptly.
Care plans are also reviewed if there are any significant changes in the person’s circumstances, such as a decline in mobility or mental capacity. It’s crucial to ensure that the care plan is updated to reflect these changes to provide the appropriate level of care.
At Prestige Nursing & Care, our registered nurse conducts comprehensive reviews of your care plan working closely with your care team to ensure it always accurately reflects your needs and you achieve your outcomes.
Receive Your Own Personalised Care Plan from Prestige
For over 75 years, Prestige Nursing & Care has provided high-quality, personalised and expert home care services for every stage of life. Our care is flexible and is designed to evolve with the changing needs of those we care for.
Our experienced registered nurse will create a personalised plan of care and support following our thorough assessment of your needs. It outlines all your specific care needs but also covers all your choices and preferences in how you live your life.
Your care plan identifies specific care and support tasks involved in your care and details when, where and how they should be carried out and by whom. It ensures you get the right care, at the right time, all in the place you love most – your own home.
Find out why our clients choose Prestige Nursing & Care for a high quality, responsive home care service.
