When choosing a care facility for a loved one, families want a nursing home to cater to a person’s health needs, daily routine and personal preferences. A care plan helps make this possible. It generally outlines the services a resident should receive and it gives clear instructions to the staff in order to give appropriate care. If the plan is not being followed, it might affect the resident’s health and safety.
Taking a closer look at the plan can show why the regimen is important.
What is included in a resident’s care plan?
The nursing home first evaluates a resident’s medical condition and daily needs. Then it develops a care plan based on that assessment. The plan should be reviewed and updated if the resident’s needs change.
Under federal regulations, Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes must have a person-centered care plan for each resident. The plan needs to address the resident’s physical, medical and emotional needs while setting a goal for ongoing care.
This is a unique care plan that depends on the resident; the care plan might include:
- Assistance with walking or transfer
- Medication schedule and monitoring
- Care to prevent pressure injuries
- Nutrition and hydration needs
- Support for memory loss or dementia
- Therapy and rehabilitation services
The next step is to make sure that nursing homes follow the plan properly.
What can happen if the care plan is not followed?
A care plan only works if the staff can carry it out as outlined. If nursing homes miss important parts of the plan, a resident can face health problems.
Families might notice warning signs such as:
- Repeated falls or unexpected injuries
- Missed medications
- Unplanned weight loss and dehydration
- Worsening pressure injuries
- A sudden decline in physical or cognitive health
Concern from one family does not mean that nursing homes neglected a resident. However, repeated failures to follow a resident’s care plan can raise questions about the quality of care that a resident is getting.
How can families help protect a loved one’s care?
Delaware regulations require nursing homes to review and update the care plans as a resident’s condition changes. The rules also state that residents and, when needed, their representatives should be involved in care planning.
Families can help by attending plan meetings, asking questions about changes in their loved one’s condition and keeping track of any ongoing concerns. Open communication with the facility can help resolve some issues before they become more serious.
A care plan is more than just a document. When it is viewed regularly and followed consistently, it can help support safer, more personalized care for nursing home residents.