Developing a Care Plan

Having a care plan to help you manage caregiving tasks can reduce stress and fatigue. A care plan is typically developed with professionals and includes:

• Daily care plan
  A written or visual description of your loved one’s daily needs, abilities, preferences, and goals. This document needs to be reviewed whenever there are changes in your loved one’s condition and needs, and during times of transition. 

• Medical summary

  A document that records your loved one’s medical information such as their current diagnosis, allergies, and medications. These templates may be helpful in creating a medical summary.

• Medical action plan
  A document that outlines the steps and actions to be taken by care providers during an emergency. It should include your loved one’s personal information, emergency contacts and instructions on what to do when a health issue arises.  

Financial planning is an important part of care planning. It involves managing the cost of medical assessments, interventions and any additional services required. At times, caregivers may also give up their jobs to provide full-time care to their loved ones, thus impacting the family’s finances and increasing the need for a financial plan. You can approach Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) for help on developing a plan that is tailored for your loved one. With this tool, you can systematically work out your loved one’s future financial needs, while planning for their care.

Find out the additional costs involved in this care plan, and seek financial assistance if necessary. 

Legal considerations are also important to understand. You can read up on laws that protects the interests of your loved one and how you can continue making legal decisions for them after they turn 21. It is helpful to stay updated on matters such as deputyship and laws such as the Mental Capacity Act.