A plan of care is a daily record of the care and treatment a person needs on a daily basis. The plan helps you and anyone who assists you with caregiving tasks.

A plan of care helps caregivers manage the day-today activities of the person in their care--medications, appointments, exercise, etc. This type of written record is also very helpful when respite (relief) care is used.

The plan of care includes the following information:

• diagnosis
• medications
• physical limitations of the care receiver
• a list of equipment needed
• diet
• detailed care instructions and comments
• services the home health care agency will provide, if using such on agency.

This information is presented in a certain order so that the process of care is repeated over and over again until it becomes routine. When the plan is kept up to date, it provides a clear record of events that is helpful in solving problems and avoiding them. With a plan you don't have to rely on your memory. It also allows another person to take over respite care or take your place entirely without too much trouble.

Some of the things you may have to watch and record are

• skin color, warmth, and tone (dryness, firmness, etc.)
• pressure areas where bedsores can develop
• breathing, temperature, pulse, and blood pressure
• circulation (dark red or blue spots on the legs or feet)
• finger and toenails (any unusual conditions)
• mobility (ability to move around)
• puffiness around the eyes and cheeks, swelling of the hands and ankles
• appetite
• body posture (relaxed, twisted, or stiff)
• bowel and bladder function (unusual changes)