1D Involve carers and families in the design and delivery of support services

When planning care and support for an older person or a person with a disability, there is usually a team approach involving workers and professionals who contribute information and recommendations to the planning process. This is sometimes called a multi-disciplinary approach. Each of these workers or professionals will have information based on their areas of work or expertise. This approach is useful because it can draw on the skills and knowledge of many different professional areas.

However, it is vital that primary carers and family members have input into the design and delivery of services, as these people form part of the support team. All support services should be designed and delivered using a person-centred approach, with the person receiving services in a position to direct, plan and inform others about their own requirements and desires wherever possible.