What is a one page profile?
A one page profile is a snapshot of the most important information about the person we care for.
It helps us reduce the amount of times we have to repeat ourselves. And it provides reassurance that the most important stuff is captured.
We are not talking about medication timetables, we are talking about the softer stuff, like how the person we care for likes to be communicated with. What they like and dislike. Their favourite food, and anything that is an absolute no-no for them!
"It captures the subtle nuances, which allows for great care" - Unpaid Carer
How to make a one page profile
Making a one page profile is really simple. Particularly because we've made the template for you! If the person we care for is able, then they can also be involved in creating the content.
There are no rules about what to include. But ideally we should keep it to one side of A4. It's an opportunity to really get the personality of the person we care for across. And to explain those subtle things that will make a big impact (negatively or positively) on their day to day lives.
Claire, an NLP practitioner and a carer for her daughter who has complex needs, breaks down how she creates a one page profile for her daughter.
What should a one page profile include?
The first attention grabber on our one page profile will be a photo of our loved one at the top of the A4. However, this is completely optional. We can still showcase how great they are even without a photo!
A one page profile also typically consists of various sections that help to encapsulate things that are important about our loved ones, for our loved ones:
1. "Things people love about me"
This could be their lovely giggles and smiles which lifts people's spirits. Or their persistent personality and sense of humour.
2. "What is important to me"
What is important to the person we care for? It may be that ideally they prefer having a familiar person to look after them, so that it is easier for them to build rapport. Or it could be their weighted blanket, having quiet time, sensory time or perhaps hand massages to help with their circulation.
3. "How I like to communicate"
These could include the person we care for's Picture Exchange book. Or how they will often use physical objects to convey their need(s) at that particular time. For example, showing a cup could mean they are thirsty.
4. "My personal care and needs preferences"
For this section, don't be afraid to be clear about what it is that they need. It might be that your elderly father will tap his foot and you know that is a sign that he needs the toilet. Capture that in the one page profile.
These could include them enjoying being out in the sun, a photo or their favourite film, music, foods and drinks!
5. "What makes me happy"
6. "Things I dislike"
Think about what aggravates them? Perhaps they dislike being cold? Or they don't like being left alone? Maybe they get frustrated when being talked across?
Have we got you thinking about the person you care for? Capture those thoughts right now! Don't wait! We've done the hard work for you so simply download our one page profile template, and start tailoring!
Why is a one page profile important?
1. Helps to provide the right care
If we are lucky enough to have a paid carer, it can really help those caring for our loved ones to better meet their needs. It details the meaningful interactions that are valuable to the person we care for, that would not have been known otherwise.
It also offers reassurance in an emergency. Such as if the person we care for is suddenly admitted to hospital or we find ourselves unable to care for them, without notice. We know that the important stuff is captured in this document, which we can share.
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2. Our loved ones may not have the capacity to advocate for themselves
A one page profile is really valuable if the person we care for is unable to get their needs known effectively themselves. For example, if they are non-verbal, have a profound learning disability or dementia. Then a one page profile is really helpful in letting others know what makes their lives' better day to day.
3. Saves us from having to repeat ourselves
In an ideal world, we would spend time building rapport with the person that is providing paid care for our loved one.
But the reality is sometimes there is staff turnover. Sometimes we forget to mention things in our conversations because we've said them countless times. And sometimes the person providing the care may forget things we've told them.
There may also be emergency situations like a hospital admission. And if the person we care for cannot be the communicator or understand how to get their needs across, then a one page profile can be really valuable.
4. It is a "peace of mind" tool
Having a ready-to-go piece of tool can really give us peace of mind! For when we are unable to be physically present, we know at the back of our minds that we have provided the important details needed to ensure great care is provided for our loved ones.
Ready to make a start?
Rather than starting from scratch - download our one page profile that we have created for you!
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