Developing a Formal Plan
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Now that you have results of formal assessments, you will need to speak to the professionals involved in the recipient's care, such as physicians, geriatric care managers, and social workers. You, the care recipient, and the support group need to note their recommendations carefully. Then have another look at the initial care plan, and work with the professional(s) to develop a more formal plan. At this point, you'll consider placement, daily function, and the recipient's strengths again — but your questions will be more specific now, and aimed at achieving specific care goals.
Consider placement: Can the care recipient stay at home? Will he or she need nursing care or homemaking services? Is the home safe for the recipient, or are home adaptations or assistive devices be needed? Is an assisted living facility or a nursing home necessary?
Consider daily function: Is the care recipient able to look after him or herself? Does he or she perform ordinary household tasks? What assistance might be helpful?
Consider the recipient's strengths: What is positive and should be preserved in the current daily living situation? How can physical health be maintained or improved? What aspect of personal finances can the recipient handle with or without help? Who are the people who provide social support, and who else can provide support now or in future? What are the recipient's interests, and how can we use these to enrich his or her life? What are the recipient's spiritual beliefs, and how can the caregiving plan respect and incorporate these?
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