The Importance Of A Tailored Care Plan

Home care services are comprised of many different treatments, so there’s no “one size fits all” approach.

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 regular home help, the care plan will cover all aspects of daily life.

Wherever possible, a care plan should be developed with the patient. 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 Broad Spectrum Of Home Care

Home care takes many different forms, and treatments can differ considerably from patient to patient. For example, the care plan drawn up for dementia care will be considerably different from one drawn up for respite care. A home care provider must be able to adapt to the needs of the patient and family.

Home care can consist of something as simple as a carer popping in once a day to provide a general health check and assist with the cooking of a meal. Or, it can be as involved as full-time live in care where a patient requires comprehensive personal care in every aspect of their lives.

Developing A Tailored Home Care Plan

A consultation is the first step to developing a proper care plan. Sit down with your home care provider and have a frank discussion about the needs of the patient. Ensure your provider has access to all of the relevant information regarding the patient’s medical history and current situation.

It’s important that you’re as frank as possible about your needs. Your home care provider is there to help you, not judge. If you need certain times to always be covered so you can get to work, or you need to work within a strict budget, then you have to be willing to say so. But a good care plan is never set in stone.

Keeping The Care Plan Up To Date

A patient’s situation, health, and care requirements can change in an instant.

Make sure your home care provider schedules a regular review of the care plan, to ensure that all of the patient’s needs are being taken care of as and when they arise.

The Great Care Companycan 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.