A personalized care plan will enhance the quality of care your loved one receives. When using home care services, this plan keeps everyone on the same page regarding the senior’s health and wellness needs.
In this article, we’ll explain the purpose and benefits of a tailored care plan. Then, we’ll outline the key steps in designing one.
Purpose of a Care Plan
A personalized care plan ensures seniors receive care that’s customized to their needs. Further, a care plan tracks all relevant health information in a centralized place, which helps avoid errors and confusion.
A care plan also informs all members of a senior’s care team of their specific needs, as well as health goals and preferences. This helps ensure consistent care between caregivers.
With a detailed care plan, you’ll also be able to hand off duties to other members of the care team more easily. This will help you take time to rest or focus on other priorities. And by helping you establish clear needs and a set schedule, the care plan will let you more easily invite help from others.
How to Create a Senior Care Plan
Follow these steps as you design your loved one’s care plan:
- Start with their name, date of birth, health insurance details, and contact information for emergencies.
- Document health conditions and medications, including dosages and when/how they are taken. Talk with all healthcare providers, from doctors to home care aides. Each has a valuable and unique perspective. Ask them to summarize the health conditions and necessary treatments. Record the contact info and specialization of each provider as well.
- Gain input from all family members and other caregivers on your loved one’s routine and supportive care needs. Discuss social and emotional needs as well as physical needs.
- Include details on community resources you can utilize, such as transportation assistance, adult day care, or meal services. Also note the contact info and availability of individuals who can help with specific tasks, like meal prep or engaging activities.
- Use a calendar tool to plan a weekly schedule for your loved one’s care. Block out specific daily tasks, noting who will handle them and sharing it with the whole care team.
- Involve seniors in creating their care plan. Ask for their input as you record their needs and goals.
Using a template ensures you record all essential details. The CDC offers a care plan template that guides you in tracking specific conditions, medications taken, and other ideas that help improve wellness.
Designing a personalized care plan will help streamline all aspects of your loved one’s care. Communication will flow more easily with the help of a clear plan. As a result, your loved one will feel even more supported and cared for.
To discuss whether companion care is right for your loved one, schedule a free nurse consultation call. A skilled professional will be happy to talk with you about your needs.
