A 2019 guide to care planning in nursing homes

With increasing numbers of nursing homes are making the switch to digital it can be hard to understand what the major benefits and considerations are for providers looking to switch. But honestly what’s all the fuss about? Here’s our 2019 guide to care planning in nursing homes to help shine a bit of light on the subject.

What is care planning?

Anyone who works in a nursing home will know just how important planning for care delivery is. It’s also really helpful for care givers to know what different residents need and how to tailor care specifically to them– its even better when all of this information is detailed in an easy to access care plan. These come in all shapes and sizes and can deal with anything from hydration & nutrition to  mobility.

What does care planning support?

Care planning helps nursing home staff understand the health needs and requirements of individual residents, and using a well-structured care plan can help Care Managers to coordinate care tasks and resources effectively in a nursing home. The best care plans place the individual in the middle of the planning procedure and involves their own preferences for care and wellbeing. It means that care givers can provide outstanding care that is person-centred around each resident and their unique needs.

What are the main considerations for care planning in nursing homes?

One of the main outcomes from care plans for residents is to be as happy and healthy as possible, whilst having an input (in as much as they are able to) of the care that is given to them. This is achieved by regularly consulting with residents and their families to make sure that their preferences and priorities are being met, whilst supporting outcomes. Thus main outcomes of the care plans should be based on what the resident needs and wants, and how to achieve those things.

How digital care planning in nursing homes is changing the game

A lot of traditional care plans and planning for residents is still done manually on paper and stored in files. This can be really time consuming for anyone who has to update care plans by hand, and all too often the boxes to fill in are irrelevant and outdated. Paper care plans can also be really hard to store securely and difficult to search through for relevant information. Luckily, there’s been huge developments in digital care planning software recently that has done a lot to mitigate the risks involved in care delivery and paper plans. Digital care planning is making it a lot easier and quicker to update care plans, as well as making it simple for carers to access the relevant data they need (without compromising on GDPR rules) via smart carer apps.

How Log my Care helps with care planning in nursing homes?

We believe it’s really important to use that the software is made with carers in mind, and that’s why we’ve spent months talking to carers and finding out what features of digital care plans will really benefit them daily. These include features like iconised buttons that make updating care plans quick and simple, or the ability to search through care plans easily. Digital plans can be accessed at any time, from anywhere (providing the carer has the app downloaded to their phones), allowing carers to have access to important care notes as and when they are delivering care.

We’ve had some great reviews from care providers – and we love getting feedback because we listen and it helps us make positive changes that continue to benefit you. Have a look at how we have been helping some of the care professionals in our community.