A plan of care is just what the title implies a plan of how to provide the needed care to an individual. Professional caregivers are required to create this written document, which details the client's strengths weakness, abilities, disabilities, level of independence and areas of need. It covers every aspect of the client's physical, mental and emotional status. It then identifies areas of need, establishes a plan of how to meet those needs and who will provide the care or service.

Family caregivers would benefit from creating their own plan of care. It does not need to be formal or even written. But it should be discussed and agreed upon. Putting things in writing would benefit those family caregivers who might need to hold others accountable and to clearly establish areas of responsibilities but it does not need to be in any particular document or form. An informal email summarizing a phone call or family discussion can help to clarify everyone's role and responsibility as well as communicate needed updates and changes.