Lesson 23 of 30 · Coming home
Create a Recovery Support Agreement
A support agreement is a short, shared plan for daily life. It names what each person will do and when the plan will be reviewed. It is a discussion tool, not a cure or a way to control another adult.
In this lesson
- Start with shared needs
- Make each part clear
- Plan a fair review
Start with shared needs
Choose a calm time and ask what each person needs to feel safe and respected. Keep the plan short. You might cover rides, bills, guests, quiet hours, or check-ins. The patient’s care plan comes from their health team. A family agreement should support it, not replace it with rules made from fear.
Make each part clear
Write who does what and by when. Say what help is offered and what is not. For example, “I can drive to Tuesday care visits with one day’s notice.” Avoid vague demands such as “Be better.” Do not require access to all private therapy details. Ask a therapist to help if the plan feels one-sided.
Plan a fair review
Set a date to discuss what worked and what did not. Include a way to raise concerns before the review. A missed task should lead to a clear response and a revised plan when needed. Do not use urgent health care, food, or needed medicine as punishment. Safety needs can require help beyond the agreement.
A family example
Made-up example for learning. Each family is different.
A family argues each day about rides. They write a two-week plan: the loved one sends visit times on Sunday, a sibling confirms available rides, and staff help with gaps. They review it after two weeks.
Words you can use
Can we make a short plan that works for both of us? I want it to be clear and fair. Let’s write the help we each can offer, what we will do if a task is missed, and when we will review it.
Words to rethink
“Sign this or prove you don’t care.” A useful agreement needs real input, not a forced pledge.
Help them keep going: encourage honest talks with the team and care that meets their needs. Before a change that is not urgent, ask for a team talk and a safe next step. Take reports of harm or unsafe care seriously.
Your practical tool
Create a Recovery Support Agreement: planning sheet
Print and write in private. You do not need to send answers online. Bring useful questions to a trusted support person or the care team.
Choose one small next step. Keep your filled-in sheet private.
Check what you learned
Think about each question. Open it to see an answer. No answers are collected.
Does an agreement replace the care plan?
No. It should support the plan made with the health team.
What makes a task clear?
A named action, person, and time.
Should needed health care be used as punishment?
No. Keep access to care out of threats.
Questions to ask for help
- How does this lesson fit our family and care plan?
- What can I help with, and what should I leave to my loved one or the team?
- Who should I contact if this plan is not working?
Turn learning into a conversation
You do not have to solve this alone. Ask the team how family support fits your loved one’s wishes and care.
Keep learning
Next, read Respond to Warning Signs Without Watching Every Move.
See what families can expect and discharge planning. For a pressing next-step question, use our situation guides.
Sources and scope
Prepared for Alpine Recovery Lodge’s Family Learning Center. This is general education. It does not replace a health check or advice about your own care. Ask a qualified health professional how it fits your needs. Family roles, safety needs, and care plans differ.