What exactly is a complex health condition? How will a complex health condition affect someone’s life? And how can it be managed?

These are all questions you may ask upon hearing the news that yourself or a loved one has been diagnosed with a complex health issue.

As specialists in care within the home we’re able to answer all your difficult questions. You can also find out more about our complex care services, or get in touch with our team with your questions.

What is a complex health condition?

Complex health issues can affect a person’s mental, physical, and social well-being. They may have chronic diseases that cause episodic crises or exacerbation of disease, which can in turn lead to significant, long-term disabilities.

There are many types of complex health issues. Some of the most common include:

• Depression
• Blindness
• Downs syndrome
• Mobility disorders
• Cardiopulmonary illnesses
• Multiple sclerosis
• Osteoporosis
• High blood pressure (hypertension) 
• Immunodeficiencies or immune system diseases, such as AIDS and HIV infection.
• Type 2 diabetes

How are complex health issues treated? 

Treatment for complex health conditions is a type of long-term or continuing care, and will depend on the severity of the issue, age and other factors. 

Doctors may prescribe medication or therapy to help alleviate symptoms, or they might refer someone to another specialist such as an occupational therapist (OT), speech-language pathologist (SLP) or psychologist.

In most cases some form of person-centred treatment will be required. This could be in a hospital or other care setting. Ideally however, the best treatment for complex health issues takes place in the patient’s home.

So, what kind of specialist care do people with complex health conditions require?

Someone with a complex health condition is likely to need ongoing and often extensive care. 

Complex health complications may necessitate time off work, or can render the patient permanently unable to work. They may require the use of adaptive devices, such as wheelchairs. Some complex medical conditions can lead to chronic pain due to nerve damage in the affected area, which can then exacerbate mental stress experienced by the patient.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to caring for a complex health condition. In fact, support for complex health conditions entails providing whatever assistance the patient needs in order to manage their symptoms and enjoy a high-quality of life.

If you or a loved one are seeking support for a complex health condition, talk to us today. We can create a tailored support plan based around care that takes place in the home.