A well-thought-out care plan is essential when caring for an elderly or disabled family member. A comprehensive care plan is a roadmap for providing the best possible care, ensuring you address all aspects of your loved one’s well-being. 

At Assisting Hands West Austin, we understand the importance of personalized care that meets your loved one’s unique needs. This guide to care planning explores the key components you should include in your loved one’s care plan to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.

Healthcare and Medical History

The foundation of any care plan starts with your loved one’s healthcare needs and medical history. This means it’s essential to document all existing health issues and required treatments. This information helps caregivers and healthcare providers understand the overall health status of your loved one and provide appropriate care.

Here’s what to include when care planning:

• The names and contact information of the primary physician, specialists, and any other doctors involved in your loved one’s care
• Prescriptions, dosages, and times of administration for current medications
• Chronic conditions or illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or dementia
• Food or medication allergies
• Dates for upcoming doctor visits, physical therapy sessions, or other necessary treatments
• Instructions for what to do if your loved one experiences a medical emergency, including contact numbers for emergency services
• Transportation needs for getting to and from medical appointments
• A communication plan that ensures everyone is on the same page regarding your loved one’s care

Keep a copy of your loved one’s medical records handy and updated to help healthcare providers make informed decisions.

Personal Care and Daily Activities

This section tackles information on how to assist your loved one with daily activities. Since everyone’s level of need is unique, be specific about the type and amount of help required for each task. To ensure their dignity and comfort, ask your loved one for input on how they prefer to receive help with personal care.

Here’s what to include:

• Level of assistance needed for activities of daily living (ADLs), such as grooming, bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting
• Dietary requirements and restrictions (low-sodium, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.)
• Meal schedules
• Food preferences
• Details about prescribed exercises or physical therapy sessions to help maintain or improve mobility.

Cognitive and Emotional Health

Now that you’ve addressed their physical health, it’s time to focus on your loved one’s mental and emotional well-being. Encourage a routine that keeps your loved one mentally stimulated and socially engaged, which can help maintain cognitive health.

Here’s what to include: 

• Cognitive abilities and how caregivers should assist with any impairments
• Strategies for managing anxiety or depression
• Mentally stimulating activities that promote cognitive function (puzzles, brain games, reading, etc.)
• Counseling or support group sessions, if needed
• Activities that bring joy and purpose
• Plans for regular social activities and interactions to prevent isolation

Safety and Mobility

Your loved one’s environment should be safe and accessible. Regularly evaluate home safety to ensure it accommodates changes in your loved one’s mobility.

Here’s what to include: 

• Mobility aid requirements (walker, cane, wheelchair, etc.) 
• Any necessary home modifications needed to ensure a safe environment (installing grab bars, removing tripping hazards, improving lighting)
• List of emergency contacts (family members, doctors, local services) and procedures
• Strategies to prevent falls

Legal and Financial Considerations

Care planning should address the legal and financial matters of your loved one. Consult with an elder law attorney to ensure all necessary legal documents are up to date and properly executed.

Here’s what to include:

• Power of attorney
• Living will or advanced directives
• Long-term care insurance
• Bill payment procedures

Specialized Care

This section of your care plan should cover tailored care instructions for loved ones with specific conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or post-surgery. For example, include things like:

• Strategies for managing specific conditions, such as memory loss and confusion, tremors, or wound care
• Adaptations for changing mobility or cognitive needs
• Communication techniques
• Pain management techniques
• Rehabilitation or therapy requirements

Caregiver Support

Caregiver well-being is essential for providing quality care to your loved one, and a strong support system helps prevent caregiver burnout. Assisting Hands West Austin can help alleviate the stress placed on caregivers by providing respite care, companionship, and expert assistance when needed.

Here’s what to include:

• The responsibilities of each caregiver (family members, hired professionals, or volunteers)
• Plans for respite care to give the primary caregiver a break
• A communication plan for updates on your loved one’s health, preferences, and any changes to the care plan

How Assisting Hands West Austin Can Help

At Assisting Hands West Austin, we specialize in creating customized care plans for the unique needs of each individual. Our professional caregivers are dedicated to supporting seniors and their families every step of the way. If you need assistance developing a care plan or need extra help in implementing it, reach out to us today by using the chat box on this page or by calling us directly at (512) 999-7379.