A personal care plan is a detailed set of instructions for your loved ones that identifies the specific request you have with regard to your care if you become mentally incapacitated.
Many of us think of incapacity as being slouched over in a wheelchair drooling on ourselves. In fact, many people are physically healthy, aware and awake, but unable to articulate their wishes, preferences, likes and dislikes.  In these circumstances, you can preset instructions as to what type of care you want provided for you should you need assisted living or nursing home care. These instructions include preferences for describing your personal hygiene needs, your access to the outdoors, your desire and guidelines for visiting family, going to public places, the theater, what you like to eat, what you like to watch on TV, hobbies, books, other reading materials, and your preferences for attending religious services. This can be a very important guide in helping your family members care for you in the way you would want them to without leaving it up to chance that they will know what you want.