Person Centred Software is working hard to simplify and digitise the social care sector by creating a wide range of easy-to-use products for care providers. 

Our Connected Care Platform offers integrated solutions that cover the entire digital transformation process. These solutions, which include: care management, medication management, resident experience, learning and development and care operations, help drive outstanding care and improve the lives of those receiving care and those working in the sector.  

One of our care management solutions is mCare.  

What are the benefits of care planning with mCare? 

Supporting operational performance and the delivery of care 

The benefits of digital care planning have been widely discussed in the care sector due to the government's aim for all adult social care providers to have access to a digital social care record by 2025.   

mCare meets the government's target of digitised care records and gives care providers all the information they need for inspections, helping to improve regulatory ratings. mCare also comes with the largest and most experienced support and implementation team to ensure success, an extensive network of integrated partners and multiple benefits, such as:  

Everyone deserves the best possible care during vulnerable times, and we're working hard to create a brighter future for social care with mCare.  

How does care planning ensure consistency of care?   

A key function of creating and using care plans is to ensure there is consistency in the care that is provided, no matter who is caring for the person. If a good care plan is in place, then despite staff changeovers, rota changes, visits or schedule changes, the care provided will always be consistent and the quality of care will remain high. 

How does care planning help teams deliver care?      

We are all unique, and therefore one approach for all does not work when caring for people. Care teams are the people providing the care each day and part of that is being aware and reactive to any changes such as changes in needs or preferences. Care plans can be updated which then helps care staff to deliver care in the best and most efficient way possible.   

What is a care plan in health and social care and why are care plans important? 

Care plans are essential in order to provide outstanding quality care  

A care plan is a plan of how to care for someone; it is documented information that efficiently describes the following:  

What does creating a care plan involve? 

Creating a care plan is often a collaborative process with the person being cared for, relatives and carers. 

In order to create a care plan, a full review of the person being cared for is undertaken so that areas of need can be considered.  It is important to set goals and plan actions around these goals with clear direction. 

Here are a few examples of the types of support that might be included in a care plan:  

What's an example of a good care plan? 

Generally, a good care plan will contain two key themes central to care planning within the MCA framework: involvement and keeping the resident's wishes at the centre of their care and support. 

The MCA (Mental Capacity Act) provides a framework for social care commissioners when commissioning services for people who may be unable, either permanently or temporarily, to make some or all decisions about their care. Involving individuals in decisions about their care is fundamental to the principles of the MCA and should be evident in all care and support plans. 

In order for a care plan to be good and effective, it should also possess the following characteristics: 

When are care plans created?  

Creating a care plan is a collaborative process involving the person receiving care, their family or advocates, and care professionals. Care plans are created once an assessment of the individual's needs has been completed; this helps determine the level and type of support required. The care plan outlines the objectives and potential outcomes to be achieved, ensuring that everyone involved is on the same page. 

Who writes a care plan?       

Care plans are created by care professionals who support the individual receiving care to express their preferences for how they would like to receive care and support. The care professional responsible for writing the care plan will provide information about the services that can be offered.   

How often are care plans reviewed? 

A care plan should be evaluated continuously by care professionals. After the individual has lived with the changes recommended in their care plan for the agreed period, the care plan must be assessed and revised. 

It's essential to have a flexible care plan; if the resident's care needs change, it should be reviewed and adjusted to ensure it meets their needs and preferences.  

Why should residents be involved in their care plans?       

Involving residents in their care plan and decisions about their health and care leads to better health and wellbeing and improved quality of care. It also ensures that residents make use of available health and care resources.  

In order to provide better care and support services, it's important for care providers to shift their focus from asking 'What is the matter with you?' to 'What matters to you?' - this is where person-centred care comes in.  

A person-centred approach involves the individual in their own care instead of relying solely on health and care professionals to make decisions for them - it emphasises shared decision-making, where the individual is regarded as an equal partner in their care. 

Can care providers combine plans from different services into their care plan? 

Yes, this is where multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) come in. Health and care services are increasingly being delivered in more joined-up and integrated ways, which delivers care for residents more efficiently and effectively.  

MDTs are a mix of health and care professionals who are members of different organisations and professions that work together to make decisions regarding the treatment of individuals. MDTs are used in both health and care settings.