Care process
Care log
A care log is a running record of care that has been given, such as meals, medicine reminders, outings, falls and mood. Caregivers and family write short notes after each visit or shift. It helps everyone see patterns. Many families keep it on paper or in an app that everyone can read.
Why it matters for your family
A log lets people who are not in the room know what happened. It helps new caregivers, relatives who live far away and doctors. The National Institute on Aging offers caregiver worksheets to coordinate care and track responsibilities. Good entries are short and factual: what was eaten, how the person slept, any pain, falls or changes in mood. A common mistake is to write opinions instead of facts, or to skip days. Keep it where all caregivers can find it, on paper or in an app. Share a summary with the doctor before visits. Log medicine reminders, but note that non-medical caregivers do not give medication.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: What is Home Care? How to Benefit from These Services?
Related terms
- Daily care notesDaily care notes are short written updates a caregiver leaves after each shift.
- Care planA care plan is a written plan that lists a person's needs, goals, tasks, schedule and who does what.
- Change in conditionA change in condition is a new or worsening sign in a person's health, behavior or abilities.
- Care teamA care team is the group of people who work together to support a person.
- Family communicationFamily communication is how relatives share updates, decisions and concerns about a loved one's care.
- Care coordinationCare coordination is the work of organizing a person's care across doctors, caregivers, services and family so the pieces fit together.
