New, free resources to support person-centred care planning in care homes

As part of an ongoing commitment to supporting high-quality, person-centred care, we’re pleased to share a set of new, free resources developed to support care planning in older adult care homes.

These tools were created with input from over 100 health and social care professionals and residents’ family and friends and are designed to help make care planning more meaningful, effective, and inclusive. They are especially timely as we mark Care Home Open Week 2025 (16–22 June).

The resources are based on recent research, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and featured in the International Journal of Care and Caring. This work has highlighted the importance of tailoring care to each resident’s unique preferences, needs, and values—even in the face of great time and staffing challenges.

Available resources:

• 📝 Quick Guide to Effective Care Planning – A concise tool to help create care plans that enhance quality of life.
• 📘 Steps to Effective Care Planning – A detailed guide with practical tips and real-world examples.
• 📌 Care Planning poster – A visual reminder of top tips for care planning, ideal for staff rooms or shared spaces.

These resources are designed to support everyone involved in care planning—from senior staff to care assistants—and to encourage collaboration with residents and their families and friends.

Please take a moment to download and share these tools with your teams.

Your input is valued to ensure these resources remain relevant and impactful. Please share your feedback on their usability and effectiveness by filling in our feedback form. Your insights will help us refine these tools and continue to support high-quality person-centred care planning.