Creating care plans that are both effective and truly person-centred can be challenging in older adult care homes. Staff often face significant time constraints, limited training opportunities, and the need to address complex resident needs.
To tackle these challenges, three free resources have been introduced during Care Home Open Week 2025 (16–22 June). These tools, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) with backing from Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) ARC Kent, Surrey and Sussex, ARC North Thames, ARC Oxford and ARC Thames Valley, and ARC West, were developed collaboratively with the University of Bristol, University of Kent, University of Liverpool, London School of Economics, and the University of Oxford. Co-designed with input from over 100 care professionals and residents’ family and friends, these resources aim to make care planning more meaningful, collaborative, consistent and person-centred:
✅ **Quick Guide** – A handy reference tool for crafting care plans that improve residents' quality of life.
📘 **Step-by-Step Guide** – Detailed practical tips with real-world examples to support care staff.
🖼️ **Care Planning Poster** – A visual aid highlighting key tips for staff, residents, and families.
These easy-to-use tools are grounded in real-world experiences and designed to fit various older adult care settings. Whether you are new to care planning or looking to refine your approach, these resources can support you in the process. They are designed to save time, improve communication, and ensure every resident’s voice is heard and their unique care needs and preferences are clearly recorded.
We value your input to ensure these resources remain relevant and impactful. Please share your feedback on their usability and effectiveness by filling in our feedback form. Your insights will help us refine these tools and continue to support high-quality person-centred care planning.
