4.1 Inform the carer of the individual’s needs and care plan

This guide will help you answer 4.1 Inform the carer of the individual’s needs and care plan.

One of your most significant responsibilities is to make sure a carer understands exactly what the person they support needs and what is set out in their care plan. Sharing clear, accurate information helps everyone deliver safe, effective, person-centred care. It gives the carer confidence, reduces risks, and ensures the individual’s wishes are respected.

This section looks at how to inform the carer using best practice and practical steps, whilst maintaining confidentiality and dignity at every stage.

Preparing to Share Information

Before you meet with the carer, get ready by:

• Making sure you have the most up-to-date care plan and needs assessment
• Checking any confidentiality agreements or consent forms
• Thinking about the carer’s preferred method of communication (for example, spoken, written, easy-read, or other languages)
• Choosing a private and comfortable place or time for your discussion
• Allowing enough time for questions and clarification

Being prepared means the carer gets the right information, in the best way for them, and feels respected from the start.

Explaining the Individual’s Needs

Begin by clearly describing the person’s specific needs. This could include:

• Health conditions or disabilities
• Personal care requirements (such as washing, dressing, toileting)
• Moving and handling support
• Medication routines
• Nutrition and hydration (diet, allergies, food preferences)
• Communication needs (hearing, vision, language)
• Emotional and mental health support
• Safety concerns (for example, falls risk or mental capacity)
• Social, cultural, or religious preferences

Use plain English. Avoid jargon. Give real-life examples for each need, and check that the carer understands. Encourage them to ask questions or ask for demonstrations if needed.

Example:
“Mrs Ahmed needs help bathing safely every morning. She also takes her medication with her breakfast, which must be supervised. She eats halal food, so please check labels carefully.”

Going Through the Care Plan

Next, go through the agreed care plan step by step. A care plan is a written document that includes:

• Daily routines and preferences
• Detailed instructions for care tasks
• Goals or outcomes agreed by the individual
• Timings for support, medication, appointments, or meals
• Contact details for support staff or emergency services
• Information about equipment or adaptations
• Review dates and who to contact if needs change

Hand the carer a copy of the care plan if possible. Walk through each section together and highlight areas that may be new or different for the carer.

Example:
“In the evenings, John enjoys listening to music before bed. His care plan says this helps him relax. Please support this routine whenever you can.”

Confirming the Carer’s Understanding

Check if the carer needs clarification or extra information. Ways to confirm understanding include:

• Encouraging the carer to repeat key parts in their own words
• Offering time for questions or concerns
• Asking if they feel confident with specific tasks (such as lifting or giving medication)
• Providing written or visual reminders, such as checklists or diagrams

Be patient and supportive. Some carers may feel anxious about new tasks or responsibilities.

Example:
“Would you like me to show you how to use Mr Edwards’ mobility aid, or do you feel confident already?”

Supporting Open and Ongoing Communication

Let the carer know you are available for further support. Give contact details for yourself and other professionals who can help. Remind them that needs and care plans may change. Explain how they can raise concerns or request a review.

• Arrange regular catch-ups to answer new questions
• Offer written information the carer can refer back to
• Signpost to local carer support services or advice lines

Respecting Privacy and Choice

Share information sensitively. Only provide what is needed for the carer to give safe, effective care. Involve the individual as much as possible, letting them speak about their own needs and wishes if they can.

Check that consent for sharing details has been given and that confidential information is treated with care.

Individualised Approach

No two carers are the same. Some may have lots of experience, others may be completely new to care. Adjust your communication for their background and confidence. Take cultural, language, or literacy needs into account.

This helps ensure the carer feels supported and able to provide the best care.

Final Thoughts

Properly informing the carer about the individual’s needs and care plan is a key part of safe, high-quality care. Use plain language, involve the individual, give space for questions, and offer ongoing support. Always respect confidentiality and tailor your approach for each carer and situation. This builds understanding, trust, and effective support for both carer and individual.