Who is responsible for creating a care plan?

Care plans can be created by various professionals depending on the setting. In care homes, the manager or senior carer typically creates and reviews care plans. In the community, district nurses, social workers, or occupational therapists may be involved. For NHS patients with long-term conditions, the GP or practice nurse may create a care plan. Under the Care Act 2014, the local authority is responsible for preparing care and support plans following a needs assessment.

How often should a care plan be reviewed?

Care plans should be reviewed regularly. The Care Act 2014 requires local authorities to keep plans under review and to conduct a planned review within a reasonable period. In practice, care plans in care homes and home care settings are typically reviewed at least every month or whenever the individual's needs change. CQC expects care plans to be kept up to date and to reflect the person's current needs and preferences.

Does the patient or service user have to agree to the care plan?

Yes. The Care Act 2014 requires that care and support plans are developed in partnership with the individual and reflect their wishes and preferences. Where the person has capacity, they should consent to the plan. Where the person lacks capacity to make decisions about their care, decisions must be made in their best interests in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, with input from family members and any appointed advocate.

Can a family member request a copy of the care plan?

If the individual has capacity, the care plan can only be shared with family members with the individual's consent. If the individual lacks capacity, the care plan may be shared with family members or advocates involved in their best-interests decision-making. A person with a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare has the legal right to access the care plan. Care homes should have clear policies on sharing information with families.

What happens if the care provider does not follow the care plan?

If a care provider fails to follow an agreed care plan, this may constitute a breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and could be reported to the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It could also give rise to a safeguarding concern, a complaint to the local authority, or in serious cases, a negligence claim. If you are concerned, raise the issue with the care home manager, the local authority safeguarding team, or the CQC directly.

Free Care Plan Template

A care plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the health and social care needs of an individual, together with the support, interventions, and services required to meet those needs.

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patient-details

Patient / Service User Name*

Date of Birth*

NHS Number

Patient's Address / Care Setting*

care-team

Key Worker / Primary Carer Name*

GP Name and Surgery*

medical-info

Medical Conditions / Diagnoses*

Current Medications*

care-needs

Daily Care Needs*

Mobility and Physical Needs*

Nutrition and Hydration Needs*

Personal Care and Hygiene*

Social, Emotional and Communication Needs*

emergency

Emergency Contacts*

review

Next Review Date*

Date Care Plan Created*

Document Preview

CARE PLAN Date Created: [date] Next Review Date: [reviewDate] 1. PERSONAL DETAILS Name: [patientName] Date of Birth: [patientDOB] Address / Care Setting: [patientAddress] 2. CARE TEAM Key Worker / Primary Carer: [carerName] GP: [gpName] 3. MEDICAL CONDITIONS [conditions] 4. CURRENT MEDICATIONS [medications] (All medications to be administered as prescribed. Any changes to medication must be recorded and communicated to the care team and GP.) 5. DAILY CARE NEEDS [dailyCareNeeds] 6. MOBILITY AND PHYSICAL NEEDS [mobilityNeeds] 7. NUTRITION AND HYDRATION [nutritionNeeds] 8. PERSONAL CARE AND HYGIENE [personalCare] 9. SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND COMMUNICATION NEEDS [socialNeeds] 10. EMERGENCY CONTACTS [emergencyContacts] 11. REVIEW This care plan was created on [date] and is due for review on [reviewDate]. The care plan should be reviewed sooner if the individual's needs change significantly. Prepared by: [carerName] Signed: ___________________________ Date: [date]

Important Notes

Legal Disclaimer

Under the Care Act 2014 (sections 24-25), local authorities must prepare a care and support plan for adults whose needs meet the eligibility criteria. The plan must include the needs identified in the assessment, which of those needs the local authority is going to meet, and how it is going to meet them. Section 27 requires the authority to keep the plan under review and to conduct a reassessment if requested or if circumstances change. The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 require registered care providers to assess, plan, and deliver care that meets individuals' needs. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects care plans as part of its regulatory inspections. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 requires that care plans for individuals who lack capacity are made in their best interests.

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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