The Wellbeing record is a resource that can be used to record the wellbeing of a person with intellectual disability and any changes that occur. It is designed to be used to help health professionals understand what wellbeing looks like for the person, and understand any changes.
What is wellbeing?
We all have an intuitive sense of what wellbeing is. We know it’s more than just having our needs met and the absence of illness. Some things that contribute to wellbeing include having
- satisfying relationships
- the opportunity to make choices
- the opportunity to use our skills and strengths
- opportunities for a satisfying level of challenge and enjoyment in life.
The details of wellbeing are different for every person. We all have different preferences, abilities, skills, desires and goals, all of which determine how we individually experience wellbeing. Keep this in mind as you learn more about the role of wellbeing in the mental health of the person you care for.
Have a look at this Black Dog website for more information about wellbeing.
Who is the Wellbeing record for?
This resource is for people to use together:
- The resource is about the person with intellectual disability
- Carers can write in the resource or help the person fill it out
- Health professionals are the main ones who read the resource
The person with intellectual disability might complete the Wellbeing record, or a carer might complete it. If the person with an intellectual disability can’t complete it alone, they should be involved as much as possible.
The carer and the person should take the Wellbeing record along to all appointments with a health professional or mental health professional, and use it to show the health/mental health professional what is normal for the person and any changes.
How should the Wellbeing record be used?
There are two main sections of the Wellbeing record, which appear after the first few pages of instructions and information
- the first section is called “Normal Wellbeing”
- the second section is called “Changes”
The first section, Normal Wellbeing, should be completed for everyone. You can fill it out now.
This is where you write down details that demonstrate wellbeing for the person. Once completed, it shows anyone who reads it what wellbeing uniquely looks like for the person.
There are prompts to help you think about different aspects of wellbeing, such as physical health and regular activities and tasks of daily living. Some prompts might not apply to the person. That is fine – just write what they can do and note items as not applicable or ‘N/A’.
The second section, Changes, should be filled out any time you notice a change in wellbeing.
Here you record any change that makes you think the person isn’t their usual self, and isn’t experiencing as much wellbeing as they could. You should include as many details as possible, such as when it started, anything you think triggered it, how long the behaviour lasts (if applicable), and how intense it is (if applicable).
If there are no changes, there is no need to fill out this section.
Everyone who writes in the record should add their initials and the date next to each entry. They should also complete a line at the front of the booklet under Contributors. This will make it easier to keep track of who noticed a change, when, how long the change has been happening, and whom to talk to for more information about an observation, if necessary.
Take the Wellbeing Record to all appointments with a health or mental health professional.
If you have any concerns about the person’s health or wellbeing, trust yourself and arrange an appointment with a GP or other health or mental health professional involved in their care. Take the booklet with you.
Use the wellbeing record to aid your discussion about the changes you have observed.
Having an organised written record of the person’s unique wellbeing will make it easier for the professional to understand what is normal for the person, even if it is not typical of others. It will help them to assess changes and identify possible underlying mental health problems. You can use the Wellbeing record to help you tell a professional about your concerns.
The Wellbeing Record should be used together with other health records, care plans and related documentation.
It’s very important that you also use health records and health documentation that are already in place or that are recommended. The same goes for care plans and support plans. The Wellbeing record should be used together with these resources, not instead of them.
Download the Wellbeing record today.