What is a care plan in aged care?

Including things like the languages your loved one speaks and any religious beliefs, as well as things that are important to them, so that we can help them live their best possible life.

And whether they need additional support for activities like dressing, eating, or bathing.

Such as how they like their cup of tea, activities they are most interested in, what they enjoy doing.

Any medical conditions they might have, medications they need and who they want to be contacted if something goes wrong.

For example, whether they need help moving around the home or if they are prone to falling.

The first thing to do is organise an assessment by My Aged Care to determine eligibility for residential aged care. Visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 to request an initial assessment. 

A trained assessor will visit to understand your loved one’s health, lifestyle and support needs. If eligible, they'll receive approval for government-funded residential aged care services. From there, aged care providers will work with them, and you or their carers if they wish, on care planning. 

The aged care assessment is a valuable reference for aged care providers and for your loved one, as it includes a support plan that outlines the required care.

We’ve put together some simple steps to navigating aged care in our Demystifying Residential Aged Care guide.

On the first day you or your loved one enters our service, we will have a conversation to help us develop an initial care plan focusing on goals, needs and preferences. We will also use information from the My Aged Care assessment. Assessments will continue over a period of weeks so that together we can develop a comprehensive, tailored plan.

Quality care begins with a personalised care plan developed in consultation with your loved one and, if they want them involved, their family or carers. 

At BaptistCare, care planning in aged care is a collaborative process involving a multidisciplinary team of professionals dedicated to delivering person-centred support tailored to a resident’s needs. These professionals help shape the care plan so that it’s tailored, coordinated and aligned with wants and needs. 

A care planning team at BaptistCare typically includes a care team manager, registered and enrolled nurses, care workers, lifestyle coordinators and allied health professionals - such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians - and other specialists.

Depending on your loved one’s needs and preferences, their GP and any other health professionals already involved in their care, will also be consulted during the care planning process. 

When thinking about what is a care plan in aged care, it’s important for your loved one to make their own personal goals known so they can also be included. For example, they might have a goal to stay connected to their community, continue enjoying their hobbies, or improve their mobility.

This approach to care planning means the care plan doesn’t just respond to health needs – it also reflects values, preferences and life goals.