What Help Will I Get from Complex Care Support?

Navigating the world of healthcare can be daunting, especially when facing the need for complex care support. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, understanding the kind of help available through complex care support is essential. 

Complex care will look different depending on the circumstances. Anyone who needs complex care will have different requirements so a complex care team will consist of professionals who can offer the right type of support for each client.

In this article, we’ll break down what to expect from complex care, the roles of a complex care team, how 24/7 complex care support can make a big difference in the lives of those with complex health needs, and what to expect during the onboarding process to complex care.

Understanding Complex Care Support

Complex care support provides specialised care and assistance to those with significant and often multiple health needs. These needs can arise from chronic illnesses, disabilities, recovery from serious injuries, or other medical conditions that require more than standard care. 

The aim of complex care is to offer a complete support system that addresses both medical and daily living needs, enabling individuals to live as independently and comfortably as possible.

The Roles in Complex Care Support

Complex care support is more than just a single support staff; it takes a team to help provide the care required for an individual. The most common roles are:

• Complex Care Support Worker: A complex care support worker is a trained professional who assists individuals with their daily needs, including personal care, medication management, mobility assistance, and engaging in social activities. They play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and quality of life of their clients.
• Complex Care Assistant: Often working alongside support workers, complex care assistants help with the more practical aspects of care. This can include helping with household tasks, preparing meals, and ensuring the home environment is safe and conducive to the client’s health.
• Complex Care Nurse: Complex care nurses have specialised training to manage and treat individuals with complex health conditions. They can perform clinical tasks, manage medication regimes, provide wound care, and monitor the overall health of the individual, adapting care plans as needed.
• 24/7 Complex Care Support: For those with intensive needs, 24/7 complex care support ensures that assistance is available at all times. This continuous support is crucial for managing complex health conditions providing peace of mind for both the individual and their family.

Starting Complex Care: What to Expect

The transition to complex care is a significant step that involves careful planning and adjustment. Here’s what you can expect during the the start of your complex care journey:

• Initial Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s health conditions, daily living needs, preferences, and goals to determine the level and type of care required.
• Care Plan Development: Based on the assessment, a personalised care plan is developed, detailing the specific services, frequency of care, and goals aimed at improving the individual’s quality of life.
• Introduction to the Care Team: Individuals and their families will meet with their dedicated care team, including support workers, assistants, and nurses, to establish a relationship and ensure a good fit.
• Ongoing Communication: Regular meetings and open lines of communication will be established to discuss the care plan, make necessary adjustments, and address any concerns or changes in condition.
• Transition Support: Assistance with adapting to the new care arrangement, including help with understanding how to work with the care team, what to expect from daily care activities, and how to voice needs and preferences.

The Benefits of Complex Care Support

• Personalised Care Plans: Every individual’s needs are unique, and complex care support offers tailored care plans that address specific health conditions, preferences, and goals.
• Improved Quality of Life: With the right support, individuals can enjoy a better quality of life, engaging in activities they enjoy, and maintaining social connections.
• Health Monitoring and Management: Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals helps manage health conditions more effectively, potentially reducing hospital visits.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that professional support is available 24/7 provides peace of mind to individuals and their families, ensuring that help is always at hand.
• Support for Families: Complex care support also extends to the families, offering them respite and assistance in caring for their loved ones.

We understand that it can be difficult to transition into complex care, but by talking to a specialist, you can help get the right support and attention they need to live a happier and healthier life. If you would like to know more about complex care, you can read our article ‘Understanding Complex Care: A Comprehensive Guide’.

At Safehands, we work with some of the UK’s most experienced and qualified medical professionals, who will work closely with you to assess and advise on your loved one’s care needs. Every person you will come in contact with is dedicated to providing you with compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to complex needs. For more information or to discuss your specific care requirements, feel free to reach out to our team. We’re here to support you every step of the way on this journey.