Essentially, complex care relates to individuals who are managing multiple health conditions, also referred to as high-cost, high-need patients. These include physical and mental diagnoses.
However, complex care is, in itself, complex. It covers a wide range of circumstances making personalised care of the utmost importance. Each individual requires and deserves their own complex care management plan that considers the best course of treatment and care to enable the highest quality of life possible.
Meeting these multiple needs is becoming one of the biggest challenges for the NHS.
Emergency hospital admission statistics involving complex care:
- 2006/2007: 1 in 10 patients that were admitted into hospital were managing five or more conditions.
- 2015/2016: This figure grew to 1 in 3 patients managing five or more conditions.
Examples of complex care patients
In November 2018, The Health Foundation carried out a study analysing the percentage of people with particular illnesses who also had to manage at least one other condition. The findings were:
- 82% of individuals diagnosed with cancer
- 92% of individuals diagnosed with cardiovascular disease
- 92% of individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- 70% of people diagnosed with a mental health condition
also had to manage at least one additional illness
How do you care for someone with complex health care needs?
Sadly, individuals identified with complex needs are often dissatisfied with their care service. It is important to manage the physical and mental health conditions diagnosed, but it is equally important to take into account the experience a patient is having.
Clinical strategies to manage care often only focus on one condition rather than taking holistic needs into consideration. That is where complex care comes in.
It is essential that authentic communication takes place regularly; not just with the patient but with family who often play a role in care-giving. Not only will they be able to offer valuable information that can guide decisions relating to care and treatment, but also feeling like they have a voice will improve their overall care experience.
What can I do if someone I love requires complex care?
There are multiple options available to help people with complex care needs live the fullest life possible. Because the nature of complex care is so complicated, it is important to seek advice that has been tailored specifically to your loved one.
As a company that was founded by nurses, we believe that home complex care management is the best option. You can book a free consultation to discuss your situation and we can offer advice or put together a complex care management plan that will be the most effective for your loved one, taking into account multiple illnesses and the level of care required.
Benefits of home complex care management
Whilst there will still be a need for hospital visits depending on your illnesses and how progressed they are, a qualified and experienced carer will be able to reduce the number of unnecessary hospital admissions and be able to explain what the patient is going through to reduce the stress levels of everyone involved.
Complex care relates to people of all ages, therefore, a care home may not be the best course of action. Given the opportunity to stay at home, your loved one can continue to live as independent and sociable a lifestyle as possible.
When the time comes, palliative care can also be administered at home allowing loved ones to be near as often as they are able to.
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