Care Plans

A care plan, alternatively referred to as a support or nursing care plan, is a written document designed for individuals who are receiving healthcare, personal care, or any other type of support.

It sets out the care and support that is needed to keep well and should ensure that the individual is involved in planning their care and treatment.

The care plan should be ‘person-led’ and ‘person-centred’ – it should be acknowledged that the individual best knows what their needs are and should play an active role in planning care and support wherever possible.

It should cover:

• what the support and treatment needs are
• any risks to the person or those around them
• how these needs will be met
• what the agreed outcome is
• what the individual can manage themselves and what they need support with
• what is important to them

Care Programme Approach (CPA)

The Care Programme Approach (CPA) is a package of care for people with mental health problems.

An individual may be offered CPA support if they:

• are at risk of self-harm, suicide or harming someone else
• are vulnerable
• have misused substances
• have a severe mental health condition
• have learning disabilities
• have recently been detained under the Mental Health Act
• tend to neglect themselves or don’t take regular medication or treatment

With a CPA the individual will get a care plan and a care coordinator. The care coordinator is usually a social worker, nurse or occupational therapist, and they will help manage the care plan and review it as a minimum once per year.

The individual should have regular contact with their care coordinator.