Living with a long-term health condition, disability or serious injury can sometimes mean needing more support than standard home care can provide. Complex care at home can offer specialist support tailored to someone's individual needs, while helping them remain in familiar surroundings.
There is no single list of conditions that means someone will automatically need complex care. It depends on how their condition affects their everyday life and the type and level of support they require.
What is complex care?
Complex care is designed for people with more involved care needs. This could include support with personal care, medication, mobility, nutrition, specialist equipment or managing the effects of a long-term condition.
The amount of support can vary. Some people may need care at certain times of the day, while others may need more regular visits, overnight support or live-in care.
Which conditions may require complex care?
Complex care can support people with a wide range of conditions. Some examples include:
- Neurological conditions
Conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease (MND), epilepsy and Huntington's disease can affect movement, communication, memory and independence. Support may include personal care, mobility, medication and specialist equipment.
- Acquired brain injuries
Brain injuries caused by an accident, stroke, infection or medical event can affect movement, memory, communication and behaviour. Consistent care can help someone maintain their independence at home.
- Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries can affect movement and sensation, sometimes requiring ongoing support with personal care, mobility, transfers and specialist equipment.
- Stroke
A stroke can affect movement, communication, swallowing, memory and everyday tasks. Support at home can help with daily routines during recovery and rehabilitation.
- Dementia
As dementia progresses, some people may need additional support with personal care, mobility, communication, medication and everyday activities. Specialist support may be appropriate when needs become more complex.
- Physical and learning disabilities
People with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or lifelong conditions may need ongoing support with personal care, mobility, communication, medication or specialist equipment. Care should reflect each person's needs and preferences.
- Long-term or life-limiting illnesses
As a serious or life-limiting illness progresses, someone may need additional support with personal care, medication, mobility and everyday activities. Complex care can form part of a wider care package.
What support can complex care include?
Depending on someone's needs and the training of their care team, complex care may include support with:
- Medication management
- Mobility and transfers
- PEG or gastrostomy feeding
- Stoma or catheter care
- Oxygen or ventilation support
- Seizure management
- Tracheostomy care
- Personal care and daily activities
Some healthcare tasks may need to be carried out by a registered healthcare professional, depending on the person's circumstances.
Does complex care mean 24-hour care?
No. Complex care does not necessarily mean someone needs care around the clock.
Some people may need support for a few hours each day, while others may benefit from regular visits, overnight care or live-in care. Their care plan can also be reviewed as their needs change.
Could complex care at home be right for you?
A diagnosis alone does not determine whether someone needs complex care. What matters is how their condition affects their daily life and the support they need to remain safe and as independent as possible.
If you are considering complex care at home for yourself or someone close to you, speaking to a healthcare professional or experienced care provider can help you understand what options may be available.
If you would like to find out more about complex care in The vale, contact Bluebird Care Vale of Glamorgan on 02922 671497 or cardiffandthevale@bluebirdcare.co.uk, or click here to discover our Complex Care services.