WHAT IS A CARE PLAN?

A care plan outlines your loved one’s care needs. It promotes better health, safety, and quality of life. Care plans are different from a plan of care, which your loved one’s doctor typically provides. A care (giving) plan helps you prepare for non-medical needs, arrange outside care support, and prepares you for future care transition and personal needs. This can lead to better communication, safe planning, and less stress.

At some point, most older adults will need help getting through the day. This means requiring assistance with basic living activities such as personal care, bathing, dressing, walking and toileting. Medicare typically does not pay for long-term care (typically called custodial care). Most families do not begin planning for this type of care until they are faced with a health crisis. This can lead to unnecessary stress, disagreements, and rising expenses that can arise from not preparing for future care needs.

Having a care plan well in advance allows families to get organized, locate appropriate resources and be prepared before a crisis hits. “A care plan is thinking through every step of what you or your loved one is going to need as you age, to ensure safety and preparedness,” Laura Daniels says.