When starting home care for the first time, or trusting a loved one's care to domestic care staff, it is important to know exactly how that care will be provided. Every client who needs home care services should have their own personalised care plan. This will outline exactly what care is needed, and how it will be personalised to each patient.
The Great Care Company understands how crucial these care plans are. We will always make sure that patients in our care have a completed plan available in their home, ready for care staff to read and reference. This will be regularly updated as and when care needs changing.
What does a care plan include?
Care plans should include all aspects of a patient's day to day needs so that all carers can deliver consistent home care services. The plan should cover details of any medication to be taken or administered, along with any other treatments. Meal times and preferred foods will also be part of the care plan. Depending on the level of need, a care plan may also include toileting and personal hygiene, daily tasks and errands, and sleeping and waking schedules.
The care plan should also list important information such as the patient's doctor and other specialists, the surgery they attend, any relevant medical insurance numbers, and emergency contact numbers for relatives. Whether the patient needs respite care, live in care or a regular home help, the care plan will cover all aspects of daily life.
Wherever possible, a care plan should be developed with the patient themselves. This allows them to retain an element of independence and dignity at all times. If the patient is unable to make the decisions for themselves, then a relative or friend will be involved in creating the care plan.
Flexible care plans
A patient's needs are very likely to change over time, so it is important that they are regularly updated. Patients may have increasing needs as time passes, especially where dementia care is involved. Medication needs can also change, so it is critical that the care plan is checked often and any relevant amendments are made.
The Great Care Company can develop a personal care plan for regular respite care, daily support visits, or full time live in care, as required by the patient. Get in touch for more information.