A good handover starts with the small details

Separate observation from interpretation

“A difficult day” does not tell others what happened. Record the timing, the person's words or actions and any difference from their familiar routine. Specific changes can help professional discussions. Do not turn observations into a diagnosis.

Based on: Alzheimer's Association · Working With the Doctor

Keep a shared care record

NICE home-care guidance supports a routine diary of assistance, preferences, changes and events. Use the record format agreed for this home. Read relevant updates when arriving and complete your entry before handover. Include the person's requests as well as completed tasks.

Based on: NICE · Home care: delivering personal care and practical support to older people living in their own homes — recommendations

An original six-line template

This original template is an organizational aid, not a clinical assessment or replacement for required work records. Include role-relevant facts, distinguish direct observation from reports, and mark unknown information rather than guessing.

• When and what: date, time and observation.
• The person's account: what they requested or described.
• Context: preceding events and familiar routine.
• Action: what was done within the care plan.
• Outcome: what followed, without assuming causation.
• Follow-up: recipient, open question and responsible person.

Keep the older person included

Before an appointment, clarify your role and what the person wants shared. Prepare questions together and let them answer when possible. Add observations without excluding them. Check who is authorized to receive information and through which channel.

Based on: National Institute on Aging · Taking Someone to a Doctor's Appointment: Tips for Caregivers

Check what the instructions mean

Copying an unclear instruction does not resolve it. Ask for accessible explanations and written guidance. Suggested wording: “Let me explain it in my own words so you can check my understanding.” Seek appropriate medical language support when needed; do not reinterpret uncertain instructions yourself.

Based on: National Institute on Aging · Talking With Your Older Patients

A handover example

Fictional example: “Requested lunch in the quiet room. We moved there within the care plan. Said living-room noise bothered her. Informed the contact and asked about a quiet space tomorrow.” Send required reports directly according to the care plan; a written entry alone does not confirm receipt.