Residents and loved ones like to have a feeling of control over the care that the patient receives. The resident care plan addresses these needs by outlining specific objectives and services.
The resident care plan should address not only the rights that the patient will receive as a result of state and federal legislation, but also the rights that the facility provides the client.
Billing
All services and charges should be clearly explained so that the client knows exactly how the bill is adding up.
Bed Reservation Policies
Your clients might be frustrated if they are moved from bed to bed. Therefore, it is comforting to know the bed reservation policy. The patients need to know for how long they will be reserved for a bed.
Time with the Physician
While doctors are overworked, no patient wants to wait a long time for a doctor. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a maximum wait period that patients can expect. Will the patient sometimes have to wait longer than 24 hours, but not longer than 48 hours?
What Forms of Care Can be Expected
The resident care plan is a roadmap for how the patient will improve. This includes the treatments the patient receives, the dietary and personal hygiene needs met, the medications the patient receives and anything else that will affect the outcome of the patient.
Voicing Concerns
When patients have concerns, they need to know where they can have these concerns voiced to. These should also know the process by which the complaints are addressed.
Dignity and Respect
All patients want to be treated with dignity and respect. The residential care plan should clarify how the patient will be given the right to take part in religious and community activities and how the patient’s privacy will be respected. Most patients will want to visit with relatives and the visiting hours should be clarified.
By clearly outlining what the patient can expect, the clinic will not only improve the patient’s experience, but will reduce the amount of time that must be spent answering questions that could be answered by the resident care plan.
