3.1 Support the individual in line with the journey plan

This guide will help you answer 3.1 Support the individual in line with the journey plan.

Supporting someone in health and social care during a journey means following their individual journey plan. A journey plan is a detailed document created before travel. It sets out each step, the person’s needs, any risks, and who is responsible for what. Good support during travel helps keep the person safe, comfortable, and reassured from start to finish.

What is the Journey Plan?

Begin by reading the entire journey plan carefully. It may include:

• Appointment or destination details.
• Timings and specific pick-up and drop-off instructions.
• Medical conditions and support needs.
• Mobility requirements, such as wheelchairs, walking aids, or need for assistance.
• Medication requirements and care tasks.
• Emergency contacts and procedures.
• Information about communication methods and preferences.
• Any risks or special notes, such as triggers for anxiety.

Check if the plan is up-to-date. Discuss anything unclear with your supervisor or the care team before leaving.

Preparing for the Journey

Preparation is vital. The better you prepare, the more smoothly the journey will go.

• Gather all necessary equipment—mobility aids, medication, snacks, drinks, personal identification, medical notes, and comfort items.
• Double check that the vehicle is suitable and safe. This includes working seat belts, wheelchair restraints, heating/cooling, and accessibility features.
• Make sure enough time is allowed, based on the plan, so the person is not rushed or stressed.

Communicating Clearly

Good communication keeps the person calm and informed.

• Use their preferred communication method—speech, pictures, sign language, or written notes.
• Explain each step as you go: where you are going, why, and when you will arrive.
• Give clear, honest answers to questions.
• Check how they are feeling during the journey.
• Provide updates about any changes or delays and reassure them if something is different to the plan.

Supporting with Personal Care and Comfort

Some people need help with personal care, positioning, or managing symptoms on the journey.

• Offer support with mobility—steadying when stepping in/out, helping with seat belts, or securing wheelchairs as set out in the plan.
• If the person needs medication, assist according to the journey plan and follow policies (check medicine timings, doses, and record them accurately).
• Offer comfort items—favourite music, a blanket, or familiar objects.
• Break the journey into stages if needed, to allow for rest, medication, or toilet breaks.
• Monitor for pain, distress, nausea, or other symptoms described in the plan.

Keeping the Person Safe

Safety must match the journey plan at all times.

• Follow all risk management steps noted—such as using mobility devices properly, helping with transfer, or using seat restraints.
• Never leave the person alone unless it is written in the plan and agreed as safe.
• Supervise carefully during stops or handovers.
• Watch for hazards—traffic, wet floors, steps, or busy car parks.
• Respond promptly to emergencies using information in the journey plan (for example, knowing what to do if a seizure or behaviour incident occurs).

Respecting Dignity and Choice

The journey plan should always support the person’s dignity, privacy, and choices.

• Offer choice wherever possible—when to leave, what to listen to, how to sit.
• Avoid discussing private information in front of others.
• Respect preferences, beliefs, and routines stated in the plan.
• Maintain privacy during personal care tasks, using screens, blankets, or quiet areas as available.

Involving Family and Other Professionals

Some plans require communication or coordination with families, carers, or other professionals.

• Update family or other contacts as agreed.
• Share information about arrival times, any incidents, or concerns.
• Hand over to the next responsible adult or service as stated in the plan, ensuring everyone is clear about what has happened during the journey.

Dealing with Changes or Problems

Sometimes changes are needed. The plan is your guide but may need to be adapted safely.

• Communicate any problems (such as delays, illness, or breakdowns) to your supervisor immediately.
• Involve the individual in decision-making where possible.
• Follow emergency instructions given in the plan.
• Record any changes and report back after the journey.

Recording and Reviewing

Accurate record-keeping helps protect everyone involved.

• Log journey times, medication given, personal care tasks, and any incidents, following your organisation’s policy.
• Report concerns or errors to your line manager.
• Contribute to reviewing and improving the journey plan for future travels.

Final Thoughts

Supporting someone according to their journey plan is about preparation, clear communication, and respect for the person’s needs and wishes. Each plan provides a clear, structured route for making journeys safe, comfortable, and calm. By following the plan closely and responding sensitively to the individual, you help protect their safety and rights on every trip. Always record your actions, share updates with the team, and suggest improvements based on your experience. This helps keep care standards high and ensures every journey meets the individual’s needs.