Care Plans for Self-Employed Carers: A Practical Guide

If you’re self-employed, you might wonder whether you really need a care plan. The short answer is yes and not just because it’s good practice. A care plan is the foundation of safe, consistent, person-centred care. It tells you what the person needs, how they want to be supported, and what to do if something changes.

This guide explains what a care plan should include, how to write one well, when to review it, and how to download a free template to get started.

What Is a Care Plan?

A care plan is a written record of a client’s needs, preferences and the support you’ll provide. It’s not a report about the person, it’s a practical working document that shapes every visit.

A good care plan tells you not just what to do, but how the person likes it done. That distinction matters. Two clients might both need help with meals, but one likes to be involved in cooking and the other prefers it prepared for them. A care plan captures those details.

It’s also your evidence. If a client’s condition changes, if there’s an incident, or if anyone questions the care provided, your care plan is the record that shows what was agreed and how you were working.

What Should a Care Plan Include?

A strong care plan covers the whole person, not just their immediate care needs. At a minimum it should include:

Personal details and emergency contacts. Full name, date of birth, address, next of kin, GP details and any other relevant health professionals.

Current situation and background. A brief overview of the person’s circumstances, living situation and what has led to them needing support.

Health conditions. Diagnoses, mental health needs, and anything the carer needs to be aware of when delivering care.

Medication. What medication the person takes, what support they need (prompting, assisting or administering), and where medication is stored.

Mobility and moving and handling. Whether the person needs any equipment, and any specific techniques required to move or assist them safely.

Daily routines. What the person’s day looks like, meals, bedtimes, bathing, personal care preferences, in as much detail as possible.

Communication and sensory needs. Language preferences, whether they use glasses or hearing aids, and any communication support required.

Risks and how to manage them. Falls, skin integrity, nutrition, social isolation, anything that needs monitoring or a specific approach.

Social interests and what matters most. Hobbies, routines that are important to the person, and anything that contributes to their wellbeing and quality of life.

Write in “I” Statements

One of the most important things you can do when writing a care plan is use “I” statements, written from the client’s perspective rather than the carer’s.

Instead of: "Give lunch at 1pm."

Write: "I like lunch at 1pm, usually soup or a sandwich, and I prefer to sit by the kitchen window."

This shift in language makes a significant difference. It keeps the plan person-centred, makes clear that care is built around the individual’s wishes, and is much more useful in practice because it reflects how the person actually wants to live.

What If a Client Already Has a Care Plan?

Sometimes a client will already have a care plan from a social worker, hospital discharge team, or community nurse. These are useful as a reference, but they often don’t capture the day-to-day practical detail you need as a carer.

In this situation, don’t edit the official document. Instead, create your own working plan alongside it, covering the practical detail of how you’ll deliver support. Both documents can be stored securely in PocketCarer so everything is in one place.

Your Responsibilities as a Self-Employed Carer

Self-employed carers aren’t regulated by the Care Quality Commission, but that doesn’t mean care planning standards don’t apply. Adopting the same good practice, person-centred plans written with the client, regularly reviewed, stored securely, protects your client, protects you, and demonstrates the professionalism that builds trust with families and commissioners.

It also puts you in a much stronger position if anything is ever questioned. A well-maintained care plan is your evidence that you worked carefully, consistently and in the client’s best interests.

Download the Free Care Plan Assessment Template

The PocketCarer Initial Care Plan Assessment template covers all the key areas, personal details, health conditions, medication, mobility, support needs, communication, and consent in a clear, structured format. You can add your own logo, complete it with the client, and upload it directly to the PocketCarer app where it’s stored securely.

PocketCarer also has a full care plan tool built into the app, with guided templates, review reminders, and secure sharing with families through the Relatives App.