The first time I heard the words care plan meeting, I was informed by another family caregiver that it was not worth attending because management just reads what the medications are and reiterates information you already know. It was not until my husband entered long-term care that I discovered, later rather than sooner, that a care plan meeting is much more than just a list of medications and confirmation of treatment plans already in existence.

Did you know that…

… a care plan meeting is governed under law by Medicare/Medicaid regulations (Gold, et al 2003)?

… the care plan becomes part of the resident’s medical record?

… you have the right, as the resident or representative, to change the plan and make recommendations?

… a care plan is a complicated process because it must meet government regulations?

… the primary objectives to be met in long-term care are to reach and/or maintain the highest level of physical and mental functioning possible for each resident under their care?

… the comprehensive care plan must include measurable objectives and timetables to meet a resident’s medical, nursing, and psychosocial needs identified in the comprehensive assessment?

… a care plan must be followed with or without the involvement of the resident or family although their input can be reflected in a modified care plan at any time?

A care plan meeting is the first time a resident and/or family member have an opportunity to be part of an interprofessional healthcare team. A care plan is an important communication tool (Worden & Challis, 2008). However, this process may not be adequate considering the growing Alzheimer’s population and the highly specialized care required. Presently a care plan meetings are designed to address everyone in long-term care despite individual needs, unless you take an active part in the plan yourself for your loved one. While administrators and staff have the responsibility and accountability of developing care plans that fit each individual, the family caregiver is the best person to know what individual care planning needs to be in place to assure quality of care that leads to a higher quality of life for their loved one.

References:

Gold, M., Mittler, J., Draper, D., & Rousseau, D. (2003). Participation of plans and providers in Medicaid and SCHIP managed care. Health Affairs, 22(1), 230-240.

Worden, A., & Challis, D. (2008). Care planning systems in care homes for older people. Quality in

Ageing, 9(2), 28-38.

About the author:

Ethelle G. Lord, former president of the Maine Gerontological Society in the State of Maine, currently is President and Professional Alzheimer’s Coach offering Alzheimer’s coaching and consulting with businesses at Remembering4You.com, and is a professor of Organizational Behavior at several universities. Dr. Lord has a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. Her 10-year experience as a family caregiver originated with her husband who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in Jan. 2003. In that decade she has seen a daily influx of new Alzheimer’s cases. Dr. Lord realized there is an urgent need for a change in perspective with regards to providing individual and institutional care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s. She is married to Maj. Larry S. Potter, USAF retired, and lives in Mapleton, Maine. Dr. Lord is available for presentations, training, and Alzheimer’s coaching/consulting.