Care plans are essential in health and social care settings as they improve the chances of achieving positive outcomes. The plans are based on assessments of the needs of patients or clients and include strategies developed to meet those needs effectively and secure a better quality of life for the individual in question.
The process of developing a care plan is collaborative between the individual, their family, and the health professionals. In this guide, we delve into care plans and explore why they are crucial to your overall well-being.
What is a Care Plan?
Care planning is the process of creating a health care plan that meets your health goals and care needs. The process involves healthcare professionals having conversations with the patient and their representative to ensure the plan achieves the following:
- Improves the patient’s health and well-being
- Identifies what the patient needs and what their goals are
- Explains the treatments and helps the patient understand what they will need and will get
- Ensures everyone involved in the patient’s care works together
- Focuses on the patient’s best interests.
The primary people involved in coming up with the care plan include the following:
- The patient
- Social workers
- The family or representative of the patient
- Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, therapists, etc.)
- Care coordinators
The care plan includes various elements and types of information, which include the following:
- There’s personal information about the individual, such as their medical history, dietary needs and mobility level.
- A breakdown of the specific daily assistance the individual requires, such as dressing, cooking, or cleaning.
- The care includes steps to manage health conditions and minimise risks, such as fall prevention or medication schedules.
- A list of key individuals to contact (emergency contacts) in case of an emergency.
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How Care Planning Works
You should understand how a care plan and the planning process work, as this makes it easier to familiarise yourself with the process and contribute to the patient’s well-being.
Understanding your needs:
The first and perhaps most crucial step in creating a care plan is determining the patient’s needs. This can include identifying the challenges they are facing, such as getting dressed, taking medicine, eating, or just feeling happy and safe. This is called an assessment.
Setting goals
After the initial assessment and identification of the challenges the patient is facing, the next step is to set goals. This is achieved by talking about what the individual would like to achieve. This could include goals such as walking better, improving memory, or increasing independence. Identifying these goals is crucial because it helps you know what to aim for.
Making the plan
With the assessment and determination of your goals, the next step is to develop a plan that aligns with your needs and objectives. The plan determines the type of care you will get and who will help you achieve your goals.
An extensive plan will include assistance with chores, nurses to help administer medicine, and a therapist to help improve your walking. A good plan should reflect your needs and goals, creating a pathway to help you achieve those objectives.
Executing the plan
With the plan laid out on paper, the next step is to execute the plan and put it into action. There are professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and caregivers, who assist you with the various steps of the plan, tailored to your identified needs and goals. You also have family members who can assist you with other tasks, such as household chores and providing company.
Review the plan
The care plan is not final. Periodically, it is a good idea to review progress and assess how you are working towards achieving your various goals. The review will assess whether you’re making progress and if any adjustments are necessary. If something is not working or is ineffective, the plan can be adjusted to ensure you receive the best possible quality care.
Why is a Care Plan Important
A care plan serves different purposes, including the best interests of the patient, which makes it an essential part of your health care plan. Some of the reasons a care plan is so essential include the following:
Personalised support
Your health care needs are not the same as those of other individuals. A care plan ensures that the healthcare provided is tailored to your unique needs. The plan ensures that the solutions and services provided cater to your current and immediate needs. The plan covers everything from bathing and managing medication to preparing meals and any other areas of need identified during the assessment.
Promotes safety and well-being
Beyond the health and medical care aspects, the care plan also focuses on the safety and well-being of the patient. It identifies potential risks and implements measures to ensure their safety and well-being. For instance, if the individual has mobility challenges, the plan may also include adding specialised equipment or scheduling regular check-ins.
A carefully thought-out care plan identifies risks and implements measures to keep the person safe while also addressing their health needs.
Sets clear expectations
A care plan creates a clear framework that families, caregivers, and even the person receiving care can follow, knowing what to expect at every juncture. This can help avoid misunderstandings and uncertainty, ensuring consistency in the provision of care.
Adapt to changing needs
A care plan also ensures that your health and safety needs are updated as circumstances change, due to changes in health conditions or lifestyle preferences. This flexibility ensures the individual gets the proper levels of support at the right time.
Closing Remarks
Having a care plan is an essential part of domiciliary care that ensures you receive the proper support to maintain your independence and achieve the best possible health condition for your age and circumstances. You should consider creating a care plan if you want to continue living in your home for an extended period or have specific health goals you would like to achieve.