3.1 Describe why it is important to follow the agreed care plan

This guide will help you answer 3.1 Describe why it is important to follow the agreed care plan.

An agreed care plan is a written document that outlines the care and support an individual requires. It sets out the actions and steps needed to meet the individual’s needs, preferences, and goals. Care plans promote consistency and ensure all staff understand their role in delivering person-centred care. Failing to follow the agreed care plan can lead to serious consequences, both for the individual and the organisation providing the care. In this guide, we will cover the reasons for adhering to this document and what it means for the well-being of the person receiving support.

Meeting the Individual’s Needs

The primary purpose of a care plan is to make sure the individual’s needs are met. These needs can include physical, emotional, social, and medical requirements. The care plan is tailored specifically to the person, so it reflects their unique situation.

If you don’t follow the care plan, there’s a risk of neglecting essential tasks. For example:

• Failing to assist with personal hygiene can lead to infections or discomfort.
• Skipping medication or providing the wrong dosage can worsen someone’s condition.
• Not supporting dietary needs might cause malnutrition or allergic reactions.

By following the care plan, you can help the individual maintain their health and quality of life.

Respecting Individual Preferences

Everyone has personal preferences that are important to their dignity and comfort. These preferences are captured in the care plan. They may include:

• Their preferred times for meals, showers, or rest.
• Specific dietary choices, such as vegetarianism or avoiding certain foods.
• Religious or cultural practices they wish to maintain.

Respecting these preferences shows that you value the individual as a person. Ignoring them can make someone feel disrespected or overlooked. Following the care plan allows you to provide personalised care, which is a cornerstone of effective support work.

Promoting Safety

Safety is a key concern in health and social care settings. The care plan is an essential tool for managing risks and ensuring the person’s safety. It includes details about hazards and how to minimise them.

For example:

• If someone is at risk of falls, the plan might state they need supervision while moving around.
• If they have swallowing difficulties, the plan will advise on the correct food textures to prevent choking.

Failing to follow these instructions could lead to accidents or medical emergencies. Adhering to the care plan protects both the individual and staff delivering the care.

Maintaining Consistency

Care plans are particularly important in settings where multiple staff members provide support. They ensure consistency in how care is delivered. When everyone follows the same documented instructions, there is less room for confusion or errors.

Consistency benefits the individual by:

• Building trust in the care they receive.
• Providing a stable routine, which can be especially important for individuals with conditions like dementia.
• Preventing misunderstandings among the care team, which might lead to gaps in support.

By following the care plan, you contribute to a consistent and reliable care environment.

Supporting Legal and Professional Obligations

Health and social care workers in the UK must comply with legislation and professional standards. Examples include the Care Act 2014, the Health and Social Care Act 2008, and the codes of practice set out by bodies like Skills for Care. The care plan helps workers meet these obligations.

Providing care that deviates from the agreed plan could lead to:

• Breaching the individual’s rights.
• Violating legal requirements for safe and acceptable care standards.
• Facing disciplinary action or legal consequences for negligence.

Following the care plan ensures you act within the law and uphold professional standards.

Supporting Effective Communication

The care plan serves as a communication tool between care workers, healthcare professionals, the individual, and their family. It makes sure everyone involved in the person’s care has access to accurate and up-to-date information.

The plan typically includes:

• The individual’s medical history.
• Details of current treatments and medications.
• Emergency contact information.

When workers follow the care plan, it reduces the risk of miscommunication. Any changes to the care plan should be communicated clearly, ensuring the team works together effectively.

Encouraging Autonomy and Independence

Care should support individuals to live as independently as possible. This involves respecting their choices and enabling them to make decisions about their care. The agreed care plan reflects the individual’s wishes and outlines how staff can help achieve them.

For instance:

• If someone wishes to dress themselves, the plan might suggest offering minimal assistance rather than taking over.
• If the individual wants to remain active, the plan may include light exercises or hobbies to encourage mobility and engagement.

By following the care plan, you support the person’s autonomy and help them retain control of their life.

Preventing Avoidable Harm

Ignoring the care plan can lead to harm, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. This harm may occur gradually or suddenly, depending on the situation. Examples include:

• Skin breakdown if a care plan specifies turning and repositioning to avoid pressure ulcers, but this task is neglected.
• Distress and frustration if the care plan includes guidance on managing challenging behaviours, but it’s not followed properly.

Preventing avoidable harm requires strict adherence to the steps and guidelines outlined in the care plan.

Building Trust and Confidence

Trust is critical in health and social care relationships. By following the agreed care plan, you demonstrate competence, reliability, and respect for the individual’s needs. This helps to build trust between:

• The individual receiving care and the staff providing it.
• The family or loved ones and the care provider.

When people trust the quality of care provided, it encourages open communication and collaboration between all parties.

Improving Overall Well-Being

A correctly followed care plan doesn’t just address immediate needs—it contributes to the person’s overall well-being. This means looking beyond basic care tasks to provide emotional and social support.

The plan might suggest:

• Involvement in community activities to combat loneliness.
• Time for hobbies and interests to keep the individual engaged and happy.
• Regular communication with family members to maintain strong relationships.

By following the care plan, you’re ensuring the person can live their life to the fullest wherever possible.

Avoiding Professional and Organisational Risks

For professionals in health and social care, failing to follow the agreed care plan can have career and organisational consequences. These might include:

• Complaints or poor reviews from the individual or their family.
• Investigations from regulatory bodies, such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
• Damage to the organisation’s reputation and potential financial penalties.

By sticking to the care plan, you can protect yourself and the organisation from unnecessary risks and challenges.

Final Thoughts

To summarise, following the agreed care plan benefits everyone involved:

• The individual: It ensures they receive safe, respectful, and person-specific care.
• The care worker: It provides clear guidance, keeps you compliant with regulations, and supports your professional development.
• The organisation: It helps maintain high care standards, strong communication, and a positive reputation.

Always review and understand the care plan before delivering support. If you’re unsure about any part of the plan, ask your supervisor for clarification. The care plan is a living document and may evolve, so pay attention to updates or changes. By following this document, you can provide care that helps people live healthier, happier, and safer lives.