Reviews are essential because care situations very rarely remain the same for long periods of time

Reviews are essential because care situations very rarely remain the same for long periods of time. As circumstances change, the package of care may need to be reviewed in the light of those changes.
At agreed intervals, all of parties involved should come together to reflect on whether or not the package of care is continuing to do the job it was initially set up to do. If there were no reviews the arrangement could continue for years regarding of whether they were still meeting care needs.
A review will gather together all information about the circumstances of the individual, the service provided and the service provider.
It will give all those concerned with the care of the individual the opportunity to express their opinions and to be involved in a discussion about how effective care provision has been and the changes, if any that need to be made.
Any review should attempt to obtain the views of as many people as possible who are involved in care of the individual.
The most important people at the review are the individual, and his or her carers or family. I, as the person (or the people) providing services from the plan of care, is a very important contributor.
The key worker or care manager/co-ordinator is also central to the review process, as is any organisation providing the care. It is important that others involved in the care of the individual have the opportunity to participate in a review.
For example, a G.P. Health visitor, Community psychiatric nurse, community occupational therapist, welfare rights support worker, or anyone else who has been a significant contributor to the life and care of the individual concerned should be involved if all possible.
The status of all the participants should be equal, in that everyone has the opportunity to give a view and to contribute to the discussion. However, the key person who must agree to any review discussion is the individual concerned.
It is important that all those who have contributed, even if they have not been present at the review, are informed of the outcome and that they know of any changes to the care plan of the individual.