5b. The Getting Support Profile

The Getting Support Profile is the heart of a person’s care and support team. It describes who they are, what matters to them, what kind of support they want, and how they want it delivered. It’s written with the person, not about them, and evolves as their needs or preferences change.

It’s built during the Supportive Conversation with a Team Starter, usually before any support begins. If someone isn’t receiving personal care, they can complete this on their own or with help from someone they trust.

At Equal Care, the profile is hosted securely on our online Platform and made available only to people the Team Owner has agreed can see it. That might include paid support workers, volunteers, family members or others who play a role in the team.

What's in a Support Profile?

The profile is made up of separate sections designed to give a full picture of what good support looks like for this person. These include:

• A bit about me A short summary of who the Team Owner is and their current situation, written in their own words wherever possible.

• Essentials Key legal and practical information, such as:

  • Advanced decisions or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders

  • Communication needs

  • Location of the MAR chart (if used)

  • Powers of Attorney or Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

  • Links to other important documents like routines or assessments

• Key contacts Who’s in the person’s wider support network - family, friends, professionals - and how to get in touch with them, with consent.

• What’s important Priorities, values and non-negotiables - both about the support and about life more broadly.

• Physical and mental wellbeing Conditions (diagnosed or not), medicines, movement and mobility needs, equipment, and anything relevant to keeping well.

• Relationships and community What matters when it comes to family, friendships, faith, community involvement and social connection.

• Surroundings Help with the home environment: from housework to gardening to errands.

• Support approach Whether the person prefers quiet or conversation, to be gently encouraged or actively motivated, and how much they want to lead the session versus being guided.

• Preferences for support This section makes clear what’s OK and what really isn’t; helping to avoid misunderstandings and ensuring the person’s boundaries are respected.

• Where support takes place Notes on the location of support, any access needs or risks, and useful context for people coming into the space.

Why it matters

• It centres the person’s voice and helps guide the team around them.

• It’s shared with the people giving support, so they know how to do a great job.

• It gives structure and confidence to new team members, especially during trial periods.

• It’s live: editable anytime by the person receiving support or their nominated representative.