When a loved one enters long-term care, it’s natural to want to stay involved in their health and well-being. One important way to do that is by attending their resident care plan conference. These meetings are a key part of ensuring your loved one receives the best possible care that matches their needs and preferences. At Christian Health Care Center, care planning conferences are held within 30 days of admission, annually and at any time requested by the resident or their representative.
A care plan conference is a team meeting where staff members from different departments come together to review and discuss the resident’s health, daily needs, goals and care preferences. Departments that typically attend include:
- Nursing
- Restorative and rehabilitative therapies
- Therapeutic recreation
- Dietary services
- Social services
Each team member provides input based on their area of expertise to help create a written care plan that outlines how the resident will be supported in their daily life.
CHCC staff will ask the resident if they would like to attend their care plan conference and if they’d like to invite a family member or legal representative. If a representative is unable to attend, staff are happy to review the care plan with them later.
Before attending a care plan conference, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. Come prepared with questions. Think about your loved one’s current needs or concerns. Are there changes in behavior, health or mobility you’ve noticed? Write down your questions ahead of time so you don’t forget them during the meeting.
2. Understand that it’s a team effort. Everyone in the meeting has the same goal: to improve or maintain your loved one’s quality of life. Listen openly, and feel free to share your perspective. You know your loved one in ways others may not.
3. Be honest about preferences and goals. Let the team know what matters most to your loved one. Do they enjoy certain routines, foods or hobbies? Have they expressed goals like wanting to exercise or socialize more often? These details can shape the care plan meaningfully.
4. Ask for clarification. If something sounds unfamiliar—like a medical term or therapy approach—don’t hesitate to ask for an explanation. You don’t need a healthcare background to be an important voice in the care planning process.
A care plan conference is not just formalities—they’re valuable opportunities to make sure your loved one’s care is personalized. At CHCC in Lynden, WA, we believe in partnering with families to create thoughtful, compassionate care plans that help every resident feel safe, supported and heard.