A care plan is a document that outlines the care and support a person needs to meet their individual requirements. Care plans are important because they ensure that people receive the right level of care that's best suited to their needs, whether that care is provided by professional carers or family members.
Care plans can include:
- What the person's needs are
- What outcomes the person wishes or needs to achieve
- What type of care the person needs, such as medical care, supervision, or assistance with daily tasks
- How much support the person needs and how that support will be provided
- Who will provide the support
Care plans are different from person to person because they are based on individual needs. They can help ensure that the same care is received regardless of which family member or care worker is on duty.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Bluebird Care Bournemouth and Poole today.
Why are Care Plans Important?
Care plans are important as they hold all the information you might need to care for your loved one. These can help you plan for and manage emergencies, as you will have all the necessary information at hand.
Likewise, an effective care plan can improve your home management. You can easily navigate between medication information, condition information and more. They can act as your go-to whether you need a quick reminder or a more thorough explanation of information.
They are also a great way to keep your loved one active and involved in their care. It can help them to understand what support they need, as well as allow them to express their own goals and desires for care going forward.
What Should be Included in a Home Care Plan?
While making a home care plan is important, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here, we’ll list key information you should include in any care plan and how you can organise it.
Basic Information
While it might seem simple, it’s important not to overlook the basics. Make sure to have your loved one’s name, age, gender and contact details displayed clearly.
Similarly, a summary of their medical history, current conditions and emergency contact information are integral pieces of information for a care plan. These should be at the start of the document so that they are easy to find.
Breakdown of Essential Services
Next, you should lay out any necessary services or needs that must be met. Some important ones to consider are physical needs. What mobility support does your loved one require? What is their medication management plan? Do they require personal hygiene support?
While these might be your focus, you should also take time to consider and organise what your loved one may need to meet their emotional, social and nutritional needs. These can range from mental health considerations to meal planning and activities they enjoy. Try to be as thorough as you can.
Care Plan Details
Once you’ve assessed your loved one's needs, you’ll need to consider the practical details. Write out their daily schedule, list their medication dosages and timetable, and provide any other information. This may include therapy details or specific requirements and accommodations such as allergies.
Care Goals
Make sure you have discussed with your loved one what their current and future care goals are. Help them consider what they would like to get out of home care and how these goals can be achieved.
Keeping your loved one involved is a great way to help them feel in control and confident with care.
Roles and Safety Measures
Lastly, your care plan should outline any relevant caregiver information and home safety measures. These should include a list of any relevant caregivers as well as their respective duties and responsibilities. They should also include any collaborative information needed when working with healthcare providers.
For home safety measures, information such as fall prevention plans or home modifications should be listed. This ensures that not only are caregivers aware of what is needed but that your home is up-to-date.
How Often Should Your Care Plan be Reviewed?
Our needs and goals can change at any time. To ensure that your loved one’s care plan is up-to-date, it should be reviewed at least once a year.
Try associating your care plan review with a particular date so that you are less likely to forget. Perhaps review the care plan at the start of the year or maybe around their birthday so you can keep their details correct.
Get Started on Your Care Plan
Care plans are one of the most important tools in any caregiver's toolkit. If you’re struggling to get started, reach out to our team at Bluebird Care today.
We want to help family carers feel supported and confident in their abilities. Caring for your loved one is a rewarding experience that has a lot to offer. Keeping your care plan up-to-date and organised will only help you and your loved one.