Ms. Barker received a certificate as a Life Care Planner upon completion of the post-graduate course of study for advanced catastrophic case management in 1997, from the University of Florida and the Rehabilitation Training Institute. She continues to attend conferences and workshops to update her knowledge. A Life Care Plan (LCP) is a valuable asset for individuals who have experienced a catastrophic neurologic illness or who have a chronic neurologic disease. The LCP is a valuable document, for families or attorneys, insurance claims managers, case managers or trust fund managers to demonstrate the lifetime care needs of their clients.
A LCP is a dynamic document that is developed based on comprehensive assessment, data analysis, and research to provide an organized and concise plan for the present and projected future needs and resources required by an individual, or groups of individuals, who have experienced a serious neurologic illness or injury resulting in physiological, psychosocial, cognitive, behavioral, or emotional disabilities.
The purpose of the LCP is to ensure that the individual receives consistent, comprehensive, cost-effective care to help the client function at the highest level possible, avoid complications, and enjoy the best possible quality of life. The LCP is prepared with the actual costs of all equipment, services, treatments, supplies, and medications as well as educational and/or vocational training to determine monthly and annual costs projected over the client's lifetime.
All records and files are confidential and properly maintained for privacy. Once the medical files are reviewed, an initial assessment is made and findings are incorporated into the final LCP. When the LCP is completed, copies can be made for all parties involved.
References:
Barker E: (1998) Life Care Planning. RN, 62(3):58-61.
Barker E: Neuroscience nursing: a spectrum of care. St. Louis, 2002, Mosby
