Transitioning To Complex Care At Home: Step-By-Step Guide

In this blog, we will be looking at transitioning to complex care at home. It is our priority that this transition be seamless and stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know about complex care at home.  

What Is Complex Care At Home? 

The main prerogative of any type of home care is to improve the quality of life for individuals who find themselves needing additional assistance. However, in complex cases, wherein an individual has a long-term or chronic health condition, there is a necessity to provide care.  

Instead of uprooting an individual’s life, complex care at home allows a person to maintain their independence as much as possible. Complex care is holistic in its approach, as it tends to the physical, clinical, cognitive, and social needs of the client.  

Carers who deliver complex care at home are registered nurses who can oversee and provide specialist care for complex cases. More than just a live-in nurse, complex carers will also provide domestic care; by helping around the house so clients feel as comfortable as possible in their home.  

Diagnosis of a progressive illness can be a scary time for an individual and their family. Keeping home comforts around is one way to prove that not everything has to change!  

Services Included In Complex Care At Home 

Medical Care 

First and foremost, a complex carer is responsible for providing medical care to their client. An individual’s complex condition may require daily medical attention, in which case, a specially trained nurse will meet those needs. This may consist of medication management, physical therapy, wound treatment, and monitoring of vitals. 

Personal Care 

Progressive illness can make doing day-to-day tasks more difficult. Maintaining personal hygiene prevents sickness from spreading, which can worsen someone’s condition. Complex carers will make sure their client feels as good as possible, assisting with bathing, dressing, and mobility.  

Rehabilitation  

In some cases, the progressive rate of complex conditions can be slowed with specialised therapy. Occupational therapy or speech therapy can help lessen the effects of illnesses and allow clients to maintain their independence for longer. Complex carers can offer around-the-clock services to ensure consistent practice and maintenance of recommended exercises.  

Emotional Support  

When transitioning to complex care at home, it can feel like so much of life is changing. Some clients feel a loss of independence and like life is spiralling out of their control. Their illness can mean they’re unable to do all the things they used to do, or at least not alone. Understandably, it can be a distressing time for anyone. Complex carers help individuals come to terms with their condition and adjust. They’re always there to lend an ear, make a brew, and guide people through their emotions.  

Benefits Of Complex Care At Home 

Personalised, One-To-One Care 

When receiving complex care at home, a care plan is specifically tailored to the individual’s needs. Carers focus solely on an individual so that they can provide exceptional one-to-one, attentive care. In a care home, carers must meet the needs of many. If the care home is understaffed one day, then that could lead to substandard care, which would be detrimental to anyone with a complex condition.  

Comfort  

One of the main attributes of complex care at home is the familiarity and comfort it provides. Some complex conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease, benefit greatly from staying in a familiar place. Generally, after getting a diagnosis, nobody wants to uproot their life and move out of their home due to care needs. Transitioning to complex care at home is considerably less stress-inducing.  

Improved Quality Of Life  

Dealing with a progressive illness is enough to take up anyone’s plate. So, it is understandable that day-to-day jobs around the house slip to the bottom of the priority pile. A complex care will look after all those chores so that home still feels like home.  

Reduced Pressure On Families  

Of course, when a loved one is diagnosed with a complex condition, their family does everything they can to offer support. However, they must still be able to financially support themselves. Balancing work, life, and care for a complex condition is a lot to take on. Not to mention, some illnesses require specific medical attention, which requires a nurse’s intervention. Families can be assured their loved one is receiving proper care, visit them as much as they like (with no limitations), and work to support themselves.  

Transitioning To Complex Care At Home  

Consultation  

For complex cases, consultations tend to be more in depth, so a care plan can be devised that meets all the needs of an individual. The consultant will want to know things like the nature of the illness, specific needs etc.  

Some cases of complex care at home require live-in care. This would be established in the consultation. Read our recent blog How Live-In Care Is Slowing Alzheimer’s Decline for more information. 

Home Modifications  

In some cases, adjustments to a home layout may be necessary to ensure an individual can access all necessary amenities. Medical equipment may also need to be fitted somewhere. At-home carers will also want to ensure safety and advise on changes to be made based on a risk assessment.  

Complex Care At Home From Red Rose  

Transitioning to care at home is made easier by a dedicated care team. If you are reading this and think you or your loved one could benefit from complex care at home, our devoted team at Red Rose Care would love to help. 

At Red Rose, we value the relationships we build with our clients. And so, we promise to always be accountable, honest, and innovative to bring forth better services. You can read more about our core values here.  

If you would like to get in touch with any questions about transitioning to complex care at home, then please contact us today.