Managing Progress

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No matter how detailed or comprehensive a care plan is, it is valuable only if it meets the care recipient's needs and produces desired outcomes. The caregiver, support group, and professionals should review the plan regularly to assess it. Ask some simple questions to determine the plan's effectiveness:

• Is the care recipient functioning well?
• Is the care recipient happy overall?
• Does the care recipient believe the plan is meeting his or her wishes and needs?
• Does the plan ensure that the care recipient is safe within his or her environment?
• Are the caregiver, support group, and recipient communicating well?
• Is the plan meeting the goals set by professionals such as physicians, geriatric care providers, and social workers?
• Is the caregiver able to organize her or his time effectively?
• Do the caregiver and the support group feel the plan is working?

Ask yourself these questions at regular intervals, such as once quarterly or every six months. The answers will guide you and the support group in updating the care plan.

Next: Finding Caregiver Support

Previous: Developing a Formal Plan