How do I write effective booking notes?

As Carers, you play a vital role in supporting Like Family Members, and that includes writing Booking notes for each Booking. Booking notes are a key way to keep the Member's support network informed about their progress and needs.

Why are Booking Notes Important?

• Keep the support network informed: Booking notes update family, friends, coordinators, and healthcare professionals on the Member's well-being and progress
• Evidence for NDIS funding: Booking notes can be used as evidence during a Member's plan review
• Track progress over time: Clear notes allow you to see how the Member is doing over time

What Should You Include in Booking Notes?

• Support Provided: Briefly describe the support you provided during the booking (e.g., domestic assistance, transport, community outings)
• Events and Activities: Briefly describe what happened during the booking (e.g., went to the movies, had lunch, worked on computer skills)
• Timestamps and Locations: Use timestamps to describe what you did in chronological orders (e.g. met Sarah at Hoyts Cinema in Penrith Plaza at 1pm)

• Member Progress: Briefly describe any progress or achievements made by the Member during the booking (e.g., used public transport independently, ordered their own meal)
• Photos (Optional): With the Member's consent, you can upload photos to give a glimpse into your time together

Tips for Writing Great Booking Notes

• Objective and Professional: Focus on facts and avoid personal opinions or biases
• Positive and Negative Updates: Include both positive and negative information about the Member's progress and behavior. This helps the support network understand the Member's overall well-being
• Concise and Clear: Get straight to the point while still providing all necessary information. Avoid jargon and acronyms

Examples of Effective Booking Notes

Example 1: Community Outing 

"Caught the train into Circular Quay and spent 2 hours exploring the city. Brendan topped up his Opal card for the first time without my assistance. Had lunch near the train station and returned home at 2pm." 

Example 2: Domestic Assistance 

"Vacuumed and mopped the floors and cleaned the bathroom including surface wipedown and scrubbing of shower and toilet. Naomi asked that I make time to change bed linen on my visit next Monday." 

Example 3: Booking with "negative" Member behaviour 

"I met Amelia at home and helped her set up her computer to book her classes for uni. The computer crashed part-way through and she pushed away from the desk and threw her chair backward, nearly hitting her bedpost. I followed the steps in her care plan for de-escalating her anger and was able to coax her into sitting next to me and starting again. We successfully rebooted the computer and were able to book her subjects without issue. We then went for coffee at the shops." 

By following these tips, you can write clear and informative booking notes that benefit both the Member and their support network.