Why Care Planning and records Matter
For micro care providers, a care plan is the foundation of safe, consistent, and accountable care. It outlines a client’s needs, daily routines, and care expectations, allowing providers to deliver appropriate support while promoting independence wherever possible.
Equally important is proper documentation. Maintaining clear records that show care was thoughtfully planned and consistently delivered protects both the provider and the client. Documenting daily care, observations, medication administration (when permitted), and the handling of client funds or money demonstrates professionalism, transparency, and responsible practice.
Clear paperwork also defines the scope of care and helps distinguish non-medical services from tasks requiring licensed medical professionals, reducing risk and preventing misunderstandings.
In the event of a complaint, investigation, or inquiry by a public body or law enforcement, accurate and up-to-date records provide evidence of the care provided, the decisions made, and the actions taken. Good documentation is not just best practice—it is a critical safeguard for everyone involved.
Care Templates
The Care Plan
A care plan is a shared document that outlines an individual’s care needs, daily routines, and goals to ensure safe, consistent, and appropriate support. It helps to define responsibilities, services to be provided, and the scope of care. When creating a care plan, it’s important to consider the person’s abilities, medical and non-medical needs, daily schedule, emergency information, medications, and personal preferences. Care plans should be accessible to the wider care team involved with an individual, including the client & their family, you as the micro provider, and anyone else involved in the person’s care and support and updated regularly to reflect changes in condition or care needs.
Download a Care Plan Template here, that you can change to suit your business and your clients’ needs.
Daily Care Record
Your Daily Care records are the written accounts completed by you at the end of each shift. They should briefly document the care delivered and the client’s condition during that time. From a provider’s perspective, it serves as an official record of tasks performed, observations made, medications supported (when permitted), and any incidents, changes, or concerns that arose during the shift. Care shift records support continuity of care, accountability, and communication across the wider care team, and provide important evidence of professional practice in the event of a complaint, audit, or investigation.
Download a Daily Care Record Template here.
Medication Administration Record Sheet (MAR Chart)
