Understanding Care Plans
Understanding Care Plans
A collaborative approach to your health care
What is a Care Plan?
A care plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the specific care and support services required to meet an individual's unique needs. It serves as a valuable tool for care professionals, ensuring that the care provided is tailored to the individual's specific requirements.
Care plans typically include detailed information about the individual's medical history, functional abilities, and preferences. They also outline the specific services needed, such as personal care, medication management, or specialised therapies. Additionally, care plans may include information about the individual's living arrangements, support network, and financial resources.
By providing a clear and comprehensive overview of the individual's needs and preferences, care plans help to ensure that care is delivered consistently, effectively, and in a way that is aligned with the
individual's goals and wishes. This, in turn, can lead to improved outcomes, reduced stress, and increased satisfaction for both the individual receiving care and their loved ones.
Also, care plans can serve as a valuable communication toolbetween the individual, their family members, and their care providers. They can help to facilitate open and honest discussions about the individual's care needs and preferences and can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
The Care Planning Process
A care plan is created as the result of a various care need assessments.
The assessment will be initially undertaken by an Essex Council professional, St George's Nursing Home will conduct an assessment of a person’s needs prior to them residing in our care home too. We conduct a thorough pre admission assessment to ensure we understandthe needs of your loved one. This also gives us the opportunity to gather some more personal information around life history and
any particular interests so we can tailor activities and discussions around shared interests.
Involving the Person and Loved Ones
The most important aspect of care planning is the individual’s involvement. Not only ensuring that their opinions are heard, but that the care plan is agreed and understood. If caring for someone else, you should always involve them in the process and prioritise their wishes.
Appreciatively some individuals requiring care and supportmay encounter difficulty in participating in, or making decisions about, their care and support.
It is always recommended to have a trusted family memberor friend involved in the care planning process. Their input can help to ensure that your wishes and preferences are accurately reflected in the care plan.
If a person lacks the mental capacity to make decisions independently, a representative may need to be appointed. If a person is unable to fully engage in decision-making and has no one to assist them, the local authority is obligated to provide an advocate.
Financial Assessment
If you have been assessed as requiring a care home placement, a financial assessment will be necessary to determine your eligibility for financial assistance towards your care home fees. A financial assessment is a means test conducted by the local authority based on national guidelines to
determine contributions towards care home fees. If you are deemed ineligible for care, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons and providing information about other organisations or charities that may be able to assist you.
Care Home Care Assessment and Care Plan
A care home care assessment forms the basis of a person’scare home care plan. It sets out the level of care and support the resident will need, as well as details of medication, diet, social interests and end of life preferences. When necessary we may consult with your general practitioner (GP) and other relevant healthcare professionals to obtain a thorough understanding of your care needs. During assessment, the individual will be notified if StGeorge's Nursing Home requires contact with a GP, pharmacist, or hospital consultant. Such consultations will only be initiated when deemed to be in the
applicant's best interests for a specific purpose.
Care Plan Reviews
To ensure that your care plan remains relevant and effective, it should be regularly reviewed and updated. At St George's Nursing Home Witham, we review individuals care plans monthly as standard but update as required if there has been a change in need in a particular area.
Regular reviews are crucial to ensure that your care plancontinues to meet your changing needs and preferences. As your circumstances evolve, your care requirements may also change. By reviewing your care plan regularly, you can ensure that it remains aligned with your goals and provides the necessary support. By actively participating in care plan reviews, you can help to ensure that you receive the highest quality of care possible.