1. Personal Details
Name:
Date of Birth:
NHS / Patient ID:
Preferred Name:
Date Care Plan Started:
Reviewed By:
2. Communication Overview (Easy Read)
This person may have communication differences linked to their learning disability.
They may need:
-
Extra time to process information
-
Simplified language
-
Visual support
-
Repetition
-
Familiar staff
Communication support is essential for safe care and consent.
3. Communication Strengths
(What the person CAN do)
☐ Speaks verbally
☐ Uses short phrases
☐ Uses gestures
☐ Uses facial expression
☐ Understands pictures
☐ Uses communication aid/device
☐ Can make choices
Notes:
………………………………………………………………
4. Communication Needs / Difficulties
Expressive Communication
(Making themselves understood)
May include:
-
Difficulty finding words
-
Uses simple language
-
Incorrect words or grammar
-
Becomes frustrated
Receptive Communication
(Understanding others)
May include:
-
Difficulty following instructions
-
Struggles with long sentences
-
Needs repetition
-
Difficulty remembering information
Social Communication
Some individuals may find it difficult to understand:
-
Tone of voice
-
Body language
-
Sarcasm or humour
-
Social rules
This is common in:
-
Autism Spectrum Disorder
5. Diagnoses / Associated Conditions
Tick if relevant:
☐ Learning Disability
☐ Intellectual Disability
☐ Developmental Language Disorder
☐ Dyslexia
☐ Dysgraphia
☐ Dyscalculia
☐ Autism
☐ ADHD
☐ Genetic syndrome
Other:
………………………………………………………………
6. Preferred Communication Methods
This person communicates best using:
☐ Speech
☐ Makaton / Sign
☐ PECS
☐ Communication book
☐ Tablet / AAC device
☐ Pictures / symbols
☐ Objects of reference
☐ Writing
☐ Gestures
Device / system used:
………………………………………………………………
7. Support Strategies for Staff
Use Clear Language
✔ Short sentences
✔ One instruction at a time
✔ Concrete words
✔ Avoid jargon
Example:
Say: “Time for lunch.”
Not: “We are going to the dining facility shortly.”
Visual Support
Use:
-
Picture cards
-
Easy Read leaflets
-
Visual timetables
-
Choice boards
Processing Time
Staff must:
-
Pause after speaking
-
Allow response time
-
Avoid rushing
-
Repeat if needed
Checking Understanding
Do NOT ask:
“Do you understand?”
Instead ask:
“Can you show me?”
“Can you tell me what we are doing?”
8. Communication Passport
Does the person have one?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, location:
………………………………………………………………
Passport may include:
-
How I communicate
-
My likes/dislikes
-
My health needs
-
How to support me
9. Environmental Adjustments
To support communication:
☐ Quiet space
☐ Low lighting
☐ Reduced noise
☐ Familiar staff
☐ Calm approach
☐ Sensory adjustments
10. Distress & Communication Breakdown
Signs of frustration may include:
-
Withdrawal
-
Repeating words
-
Shouting
-
Self-injury
-
Refusing care
Staff Response:
-
Stay calm
-
Use fewer words
-
Offer visuals
-
Give space
-
Reassure
11. Consent & Capacity
Accessible communication must be used to support:
-
Informed consent
-
Mental capacity assessments
-
Medical decisions
This includes:
-
Easy Read forms
-
Visual explanations
-
Best-interest processes (if required)
12. Health & Safety Link
Communication impacts:
-
Pain reporting
-
Swallowing safety
-
Medication understanding
-
Symptom reporting
Poor communication support = clinical risk.
13. Professional Involvement
Tick involved professionals:
☐ Learning Disability Nurse
☐ Speech & Language Therapist
☐ Psychologist
☐ Occupational Therapist
☐ GP / Physician
☐ Dietitian
14. Review Section
Review Date:
Changes Needed:
………………………………………………………………
Staff Signature:
Service User Involvement: Yes / No
Trainer / Clinical Use Notes
This accessible care plan supports:
-
Person-centred care
-
Reasonable adjustments
-
Hospital passports
-
Dysphagia safety coordination
-
Mental capacity compliance
No comments:
Post a Comment