How to Write a Communication Care Plan
A communication care plan should explain how the person expresses needs, understands information and prefers staff to communicate with them.
What to include
- How the person communicates verbally and non-verbally
- Hearing, vision, speech or language needs
- Time needed to process information
- Preferred words, prompts, signs, aids or communication tools
- How staff should check understanding
- What changes should be reported or reassessed
Writing the care need
Describe the person's current ability and the support they require. Include relevant preferences and risks, but avoid generic statements that could apply to anybody.
Writing the outcome
Make the outcome meaningful to the person — for example maintaining independence, communicating needs, remaining comfortable, reducing avoidable risk or receiving consistent support.
Writing the care actions
State what staff should do in practical terms: level of assistance, approach, equipment, prompts, observations and escalation where relevant.
Review and update
Check the plan whenever the person's needs, abilities, risks, equipment or professional guidance changes, and follow the care provider's own review process.