🏠 Home
Care Planning Checklist

Care Planning & Advocacy Checklist

A comprehensive tool for families, guardians, and self-advocates to ensure quality care and services during provider evaluations and care planning meetings.

75+ Critical Questions
9 Key Areas
100% Rights-Based
How to Use This Checklist: Review each section before meetings with care providers. Check off items as you discuss them, and ask follow-ups. Your advocacy drives the best outcomes.

Your Progress

0% Complete (0 of 0 items checked)

🏠Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Essential daily care and support services

  • What support is provided for individuals who want to live more independently?
    MEDIUM
  • Are community activities age-appropriate and respectful of individual dignity?
    HIGH
  • How does the program measure success in community integration outcomes?
    MEDIUM

🏥Therapy & Clinical Supports

Professional therapeutic services and behavioral support

  • How often are OT, PT, and SLP professionals on-site working with participants?
    HIGH
  • Are BCBA services available for behavioral support and assessment?
    HIGH
  • What documentation and progress reports are shared with families and medical teams?
    HIGH
  • Are behavior support plans reviewed and approved by a Human Rights Committee?
    HIGH
  • How are therapy goals coordinated with overall ISP objectives?
    MEDIUM
  • Are mental health and psychiatric services available when needed?
    MEDIUM
  • What training do staff receive to implement therapeutic interventions?
    MEDIUM
  • How are families educated about continuing therapy goals at home?
    LOW

👥Staffing, Safety & Training

Staff qualifications, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness

  • What is the current staff-to-participant ratio during different activities?
    HIGH
  • Are there current staffing challenges affecting service delivery or community access?
    HIGH
  • What safety protocols are in place for medical emergencies, behavioral crises, or natural disasters?
    HIGH
  • Are all staff trained in trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques?
    HIGH
  • Do staff receive training in PABC and PBS?
    HIGH
  • What is the staff turnover rate, and how does this affect continuity of care?
    MEDIUM
  • Are background checks and abuse registry checks completed for all staff?
    HIGH
  • How often do staff receive continuing education and skills updates?
    MEDIUM
  • What procedures exist for reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or rights violations?
    HIGH

⚖️Rights Protection & Advocacy

Human rights oversight and participant advocacy

  • Who serves as the on-site Human Rights Officer, and what are their qualifications?
    HIGH
  • How does the program measure and track participant satisfaction?
    HIGH
  • Are guardians and families regularly invited to provide feedback?
    MEDIUM
  • What specific rights are protected, and how are they communicated?
    HIGH
  • Is there an independent advocate available when needed?
    MEDIUM
  • How are participants supported to make their own choices and decisions?
    HIGH
  • What grievance process exists for addressing rights violations or concerns?
    HIGH
  • Are restrictive interventions prohibited or strictly limited and monitored?
    HIGH

📊Quality Assurance & Outcomes

Performance monitoring and continuous improvement

  • Results of the most recent state licensing and certification audits?
    HIGH
  • How did the agency score on their latest DDS quality reviews?
    HIGH
  • What quality improvement initiatives are in progress?
    MEDIUM
  • Are outcome data regularly collected and analyzed (health, safety, satisfaction)?
    MEDIUM
  • How does the program compare to peers on quality metrics?
    MEDIUM
  • What external accreditations/certifications are maintained?
    LOW
  • Is there a formal process for implementing participant/family suggestions?
    MEDIUM
  • How transparent is the program about challenges and improvements?
    MEDIUM

📋Individual Support Plan (ISP) & Goals

Person-centered planning and goal development

  • How often is the ISP formally reviewed and updated?
    HIGH
  • Can changes be requested and implemented between annual reviews?
    HIGH
  • Are the individual and guardian/family actively involved in goal-setting?
    HIGH
  • What data collection methods track progress on each objective?
    HIGH
  • Are goals measurable, achievable, and meaningful to the individual?
    HIGH
  • How are preferences, interests, and dreams incorporated?
    MEDIUM
  • Is there a backup plan if primary goals aren’t being met?
    MEDIUM
  • Are cultural and religious preferences reflected in the plan?
    LOW

💬Communication & Family Involvement

Transparency and ongoing communication

  • What communication methods are available (email, phone, text, video, in-person)?
    HIGH
  • How often do guardians receive progress updates and documentation?
    HIGH
  • Is there a designated primary contact person for questions and concerns?
    HIGH
  • Are daily/weekly activity schedules shared with families?
    MEDIUM
  • How quickly are families notified of incidents or changes in condition?
    HIGH
  • Are families invited to team meetings and training sessions?
    MEDIUM
  • Is there a formal process for addressing complaints and concerns?
    HIGH
  • How are communication barriers addressed (language, tech access)?
    MEDIUM

🌟Community Integration & Employment

Meaningful community participation and work opportunities

  • What specific community activities are offered weekly (shopping, recreation, volunteering)?
    MEDIUM
  • Are there opportunities for volunteering or internships?
    MEDIUM
  • What employment pathways exist (supported employment, job coaching, job development)?
    HIGH
  • Is accessible transportation provided for community and work programs?
    HIGH
  • How are interests and career goals identified and supported?
    MEDIUM
  • Are there opportunities for social relationships and friendships to develop?
    MEDIUM

🩺Medical Care & Health Management

Healthcare coordination and medical support

  • Are staff trained annually in safe transfer techniques (e.g., Hoyer lift)?
    HIGH
  • Is a registered nurse on-site or on-call (g-tube, insulin, seizure management)?
    HIGH
  • Are all direct care staff MAP-certified?
    HIGH
  • How do staff accommodate preferences for bathing, dressing, and personal care?
    MEDIUM
  • Are dietary restrictions and preferences documented and followed?
    MEDIUM
  • What protocols exist for emergencies (choking, falls, medical events)?
    HIGH
  • How is dignity and privacy maintained during personal care?
    MEDIUM
  • Are adaptive equipment needs regularly assessed and updated?
    MEDIUM
  • How are medical appointments coordinated and documented?
    HIGH
  • Is there a system for tracking and following up on medical recommendations?
    HIGH

💡 Advocacy Tips

  • Come Prepared: Review this checklist before provider meetings and bring a printed copy.
  • Ask Follow-ups: If you don’t understand an answer, request examples.
  • Request Documentation: Policies, training records, and outcome data.
  • Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, dig deeper or get a second opinion.
  • Build Relationships: Keep open communication with key staff and administrators.
  • Know Your Rights: Learn disability rights laws and state standards.
  • Document Everything: Keep records of meetings and responses from providers.
  • Connect with Others: Join family support groups and advocacy orgs.