Exercise What things might you need to consider when deciding whether to combine the plans of the adult requiring care and the carer? Suggested answer Some suggestions of things to consider taken from the guidance: Do both parties agree and understand the implications of sharing data and information? Is likely to be a conflict of interest? Is there scope for pooling budgets? Does the combined plan clearly reflect individual needs and preferences as well as any joint approach? Slide 11 Notes Where a person has fluctuating needs the plan should make comprehensive provisions to accommodate this. This should be an integral part of the care and support planning process, and not something decided when someone reaches a crisis point. Example Miss S has Multiple Sclerosis and requires a frame or wheelchair for mobility. Miss S suffers badly with fatigue, but for the majority of the time she feels able to cope with daily life with a small amount of care and support. However, during relapses she has been unable to sit up, walk or transfer, has lost the use of an arm or lost her vision completely. This can last for a few weeks, and happens two or three times a year; requiring 24 hour support for all daily activities. In the past, Miss S was hospitalised during relapses as she was unable to cope at home. However, for the past three years, she has received a care and support package that include direct payments which allows her to save up one month’s worth of 24 hour care for when she needs it, and this is detailed in the care and support plan. Miss S can now instantly access the support she needs without reassessment and has reassurance that she will be able to put plans in place to cope with any fluctuating needs. She has not been hospitalised since. Question Can you think of another example of fluctuating needs and how this could be planned for in the care and support plan?
Exercise What things might you need to consider when deciding whether to combine the plans of the adult requiring care and the carer? Suggested answer Some suggestions of things to consider taken from the guidance: Do both parties agree and understand the implications of sharing data and information? Is likely to be a conflict of interest? Is there scope for pooling budgets? Does the combined plan clearly reflect individual needs and preferences as well as any joint approach? Slide 11 Notes Where a person has fluctuating needs the plan should make comprehensive provisions to accommodate this. This should be an integral part of the care and support planning process, and not something decided when someone reaches a crisis point. Example Miss S has Multiple Sclerosis and requires a frame or wheelchair for mobility. Miss S suffers badly with fatigue, but for the majority of the time she feels able to cope with daily life with a small amount of care and support. However, during relapses she has been unable to sit up, walk or transfer, has lost the use of an arm or lost her vision completely. This can last for a few weeks, and happens two or three times a year; requiring 24 hour support for all daily activities. In the past, Miss S was hospitalised during relapses as she was unable to cope at home. However, for the past three years, she has received a care and support package that include direct payments which allows her to save up one month’s worth of 24 hour care for when she needs it, and this is detailed in the care and support plan. Miss S can now instantly access the support she needs without reassessment and has reassurance that she will be able to put plans in place to cope with any fluctuating needs. She has not been hospitalised since. Question Can you think of another example of fluctuating needs and how this could be planned for in the care and support plan?
care-and-support-planning-workbook.docx