Care Plans

Occasionally I arrive at a home ready to care for someone I have never met. Here is some essential information that will help me look after your loved one:

Their full name and how they would like to be addressed.

Their address with postcode and telephone number of the home.

Their date of birth. Their doctor’s name with contact details.

Their medical conditions including if they are a falls risk or have a choking risk. Any walking aids they use indoors or out?

Their medication: what to take, how much and when. Where it is stored and dispensed. Clarity is key!

Any allergies or phobias they may have.

A list of immediate contacts in case of emergency. Friends/family who may call.

Do they have a ‘Do not resuscitate’ notice? Where is it?

A short summary of their life and who their family members are.

Their daily routine:

What time they get up, their mobility and the level of assistance they require. Where items are to help them, e.g. clothes, spare towels, walking aids, moisturisers to be applied. What they can do and when they need space. Continence status.

What they have for breakfast, where to find the ingredients, portion size and where they eat meals?

What do they drink to stay hydrated?

Their routine, what do they usually do? What are their favourite tv shows, board games, music, etc.?

Their lunch, their favourite and disliked foods.

Their dinner/supper routine and what time they might need assistance for going to bed. Any special instructions: a special way to set out the pillows on the bed, switching on the electric blanket 1/2 an hour before bed, etc.

Any special instructions: A glass of wine with dinner or a wee whisky before bed.

If they would like to go out in the car, what sort of things interests them. What equipment do they need to take with them?

Where is the diary from other carers for reference and to complete during my stay? Is there a carer I can call if situations arise.

Even if you are not engaging The Respite Carer to cover your care needs, please download and compile the information for all carers to refer to.

Many thanks