Family involvement in care planning

Two people sat outside with their arms around each other

At Lifeways, we’re committed to a truly person-centred approach, providing support that changes lives.

Our care planning is shaped around the needs, preferences, and goals of each individual we support. We take time to understand what matters most, from daily routines and communication styles to interests, health needs, and long-term aspirations.

Families play a pivotal role in this process, sharing valuable insight and personal knowledge about their loved one. Together, we can plan and arrange the best possible care and support.

What is care planning?

Care planning at Lifeways is a personalised approach that outlines an individual's health, daily living, and the social support needed, with the goal of maximising independence. This includes:

Assistance with daily routines: Personal care, cooking, cleaning and shopping.
Support with health and medical requirements: Set out guidelines for managing medication and attending appointments.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): We can develop person-centred PBS plans that enhance quality of life, promote independence, and support personal goals.
Complex care: Our care plans outline any complex care requirements or mental ill-health that need to be addressed.
Long-term personal goals: We plan ways we can support long-term goals, whether this is pursuing educational aspirations, finding employment, or building meaningful connections.

What does a care plan achieve?

The aim of this detailed and personalised care planning is to enhance independence, enabling individuals to live a fulfilling life while receiving care and support tailored to their needs.

This approach not only supports well-being but also empowers the people we support to thrive in their local communities.

Who is a care plan for?

A care plan is designed for individuals who require assistance to manage everyday life. This includes individuals with:

How do Lifeways create an effective care plan?

Every single care plan we create is tailored uniquely to each individual we support. We work with the person, their family, and relevant care professionals to ensure they receive care that is right for them. This is achieved by:

Completing a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the individual's history, daily routines and aspirations for the future.
Working in partnership with the individual, their family and care professionals to ensure they receive the right support.
Continuously reviewing progress and adapting the care plan to suit the person's changing needs and goals.

How to stay involved with care decisions

You know your loved one possibly better than anyone else, and this is extremely important when creating a care plan that’s tailored to them. You have a unique understanding of what makes their life fulfilling, and this is extremely valuable throughout the care planning process.

We encourage you to have involvement in:

Care planning and meetings: Your personal insight can help us plan daily routines and approaches tailored to your loved one, ensuring their voice is heard.
Staff introductions: Be there when your loved one meets the team, and help us understand their personality and ways of communication.
Setting goals: Ensure the care plan and support provided align with your loved one's goals.
Monitoring your loved one's well-being: You may be able to spot subtle changes that others might miss.
Regular social activities: Set aside time for outings, family meals, and hobbies with your loved one.
Planning for the future: We welcome your involvement in decisions about future housing, education, and employment.
Celebrating achievements: Celebrate milestones, achievements and special occasions together throughout the process.

Every family is different

Every family is different, and we understand that some families will want to be involved more than others. Some may want to be hands-on and available to support with daily routines alongside our teams, and others might prefer to focus more on emotional support and ensuring their loved ones' voices are heard.

There’s no right or wrong way when it comes to family involvement in care planning and ongoing support. What really matters is finding what works best for the current dynamic, ensuring the individual feels safe, supported and close to familiar routines. By ensuring that every single voice is heard, we can create a supportive and nurturing atmosphere for those we support.

Taking the time to get to know families and individuals

At Lifeways, we’re committed to respecting the relationships and dynamics that already exist when involving family in care planning, rather than reshaping them.

We believe lasting progress starts with respect, trust, and a clear understanding of each person’s life. That’s why we take the time to build genuine connections with both individuals and their families, listening closely and learning about:

What truly motivates them
What they value
What brings them happiness in their daily lives

With these insights, we can provide thoughtful, personalised support that helps individuals work toward a fulfilling, independent life on their own terms.

Discover how Lifeways can help

We offer a range of options at Lifeways designed to fit around individual needs and the level of support they require. This includes:

Explore our guide for families to choose the right care for a loved one, and find local support near you. From the referral stage to care planning and right through to moving in and adapting to a new way of life, we’re here to support every step of the way.