Life Care Planning

A Life Care Plan is needs-based and looks at the future care needs of the individual with the disability, along with the associated cost, throughout the life expectancy of the individual.

Historically, the life care plan has been used in setting reserves for insurance companies, assisting with cost for future care related to a work injury disability.

Definition:

A Life Care Plan is a dynamic document based upon published standards of practice, comprehensive assessment, data analysis and research, which provides an organized concise plan for current and future needs with associated costs, for individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury or have chronic health care needs. [Source: as cited in Weed, R. (2009). Life care planning: Past, present and future. In R. Weed & D. Berens (Eds.), Life Care Planning and Case Management Handbook (3rd Ed) (p. 3). Boca Raton: CRC Press]