Helping Families Understand Their Options for Specialist Support at Home
Finding out that a family member needs more support can bring a mixture of emotions. You may feel worried about their health, uncertain about what care they need or unsure whether they will be able to continue living independently.
If your loved one has a complex health condition or requires additional assistance with everyday activities, understanding the care options available can help you make more informed decisions.
For some individuals, complex care at home can offer a way to receive personalised assistance while continuing to enjoy the familiarity and comfort of their own surroundings.
At Bluebird Care Reigate, we understand how important it is for families to feel confident about the support their loved one receives.
When Might Someone Need Complex Care?
People's care needs can change for many different reasons.
A diagnosis, an accident, a hospital admission or the progression of an existing condition may mean someone needs more help than they previously did.
Complex care is intended for individuals whose health conditions, disabilities or personal circumstances create additional support requirements.
Every person's situation is different. Some may need assistance with everyday tasks, while others may require a more structured approach to support their daily routines and wellbeing.
Conditions and circumstances that may lead someone to need complex care include:
Stroke or acquired brain injury.
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Parkinson's disease.
Multiple sclerosis.
Motor neurone disease.
Huntington's disease.
Spinal injuries and physical disabilities.
Diabetes and other long-term conditions.
Recovery after hospital treatment or surgery.
Palliative and end-of-life care needs.
The support required will always depend on the individual's assessed needs and what can safely be delivered.
What Support Can Be Available at Home?
Complex care is not a standard package that looks the same for everyone.
Instead, the support provided should reflect the individual's circumstances, preferences and daily routine.
Depending on the assessment, care may involve:
Personal care and everyday assistance
Support with personal care and activities that have become more difficult to manage independently.
Mobility and maintaining independence
Assistance with mobility and everyday routines, helping individuals remain involved in their daily lives.
Companionship and reassurance
Having someone there to offer companionship and support can be important for both the individual and their family.
Agreed health-related routines
Where appropriate, and within the care team's training and responsibilities, support may include assistance with agreed health-related routines.
The level of support can also vary. Some people may benefit from occasional visits, while others may require more consistent assistance throughout the day or night.
Is Staying at Home an Option?
One of the most common concerns families have is whether their loved one will need to move into a care home.
The answer depends on their individual needs.
For some people, receiving care at home may be a suitable option, allowing them to remain surrounded by familiar belongings, routines and memories.
At Bluebird Care Reigate, support options include:
Hourly care visits: Flexible visits to provide assistance with everyday activities.
Live-in care: Support from a live-in carer, depending on individual needs and suitability.
Sleeping night care: Overnight support where a carer can sleep while remaining available if assistance is needed.
Waking night care: Overnight support from a carer who remains awake throughout the night.
It is important to recognise that home care will not be suitable in every situation. Some individuals may need specialist or clinical assistance beyond the scope of the available service.
Discussing the circumstances with a care provider can help families understand what options may be appropriate.
Supporting the Whole Family
When someone needs complex care, it isn't just the individual who is affected.
Family members may find themselves taking on additional responsibilities, coordinating appointments and worrying about whether their loved one is receiving enough support.
Having a personalised care arrangement can help families understand what assistance is available and provide additional reassurance.
At Bluebird Care Reigate, we take time to understand the individual and their family's concerns. We want you to feel comfortable asking questions and exploring the possibilities before making any decisions.
Take the First Step Towards Understanding Your Options
If someone close to you is living with complex care needs, you may not know where to begin.
A conversation with our team can help you explore the support available and understand whether care at home could be suitable.
Contact Bluebird Care Reigate today. We're here to listen, understand your circumstances and help you consider the next steps.