Last Updated: May 1, 2026
As we age, we sometimes find that we need a little more help with everyday tasks. Often, this begins as informal support from family or friends, but there may come a time that you require professional help and need to engage the services of formal carers or move into a care home. When it comes to arranging care and planning for the future, it is advisable to get a care plan in place to ensure your needs are met by the people providing your care.
This blog explains what a care plan is, why care planning is important, who can write one and what to include.
What is a care plan and why is it important?
In short, a care plan is something that lists your specific health care and support needs and outlines how your provider will meet your requirements. When accessing social care and support the first step is usually a care needs assessment with your local council. Following this, if you’re found to have care and support needs, you’ll get a care plan.
Having care plans in place will help ensure you get the right level of care in line with your needs and goals and in a way that suits you. Care plans are important for everyone, but particularly so for people living with dementia. This is to ensure they receive the type of personalised care they want as the condition progresses in the case of communication issues and cognitive decline.
Care plans also help others, such as GPs and pharmacists, gain information about the person to assist with their healthcare.
Is there a difference between a care plan and advance care plan?
Yes, there is a slight difference. A care plan generally documents a persons needs or wants and the care planned to meet those needs. It can be written on their behalf or in discussion with them. Advanced care planning also details the wishes of the person requiring support, but is written with a view to an anticipated decline in their condition. As such, an advance care plan will contain information associated with end of life, like funeral arrangements, or who will make decisions on your behalf if you no longer have capacity to do so.
Who can write a care plan?
If your local authority determines that you have eligible care and support needs, they will work with you to plan the support you can receive. You should actively participate in the care and support planning process.
The council must provide you with a copy of your care plan, as well as a copy for anyone else you want.
What should a good care plan look like?
A good care plan puts the needs and wishes of the person at its heart. As such, when writing one, you should try to involve close family members and friends, as well as your health and social care professionals. As former family carer and social care consultant Beth Britton states in her detailed article on care planning: ‘The first and most fundamental pillar of any care plan, for any person with dementia at any and every stage of their dementia must be the involvement of the person and any carers/family that they have.’
What should the plan include?
In order for you to get the best experience of care, you should include details of your spiritual and cultural values, as well as details of things that are important in your life now. A good care plan will focus on the positives. You should include what you like to do, what you can do, and what you want to do; ultimately, how you can be supported to live your life well. Some things to think about are:
- How you can be supported to maintain your independence
- How you would like to be cared for
- Who you would like to care for you
- An exercise plan
- Health and nutrition needs – including likes and dislikes
- Meaningful occupations/activities you can pursue
As well as acting as a record of what you want your future care and support to look like, it is also practical to include decisions about medical treatment and end of life. Things to consider include:
- Medical treatments you do and don’t want
- Where you would prefer to die
- Funeral arrangements
- Details of your Will
- Who you want to be involved in decision-making, if you are no longer able to (link to LPA?)
Summary
Care planning is important to ensure the right outcomes and it is essential to involve the person fully in the process. Some great resources can be found here:
- For examples of what to include and consider to ensure a person-centred approach is kept, read Beth Britton’s What makes a good care plan?
- Dementia care plan examples are available online – try this dementia care plan pdf from Dementia UK
Other support for people living with dementia
If you or someone you know is living with dementia, there is a wealth of support available. Please find links to some resources below:
- Mental capacity and decision making/lasting power of attorney guidance
- A guide to choosing a care home
- Living with dementia
- Find a memory cafe
- Keeping active: Helping people with dementia to maintain their interests
If you are ready to find care services, whether for specific dementia care or other support, you can start your search here.
