Complex Care: How Can a Home Care Agency Support You?

Sometimes, an instant—a second, a moment—can change your entire life. On a spring day almost a decade ago, that’s what happened for John—and his family. Although John was past retirement age, he loved being a lawyer and continued to work. As he was driving home from the office one sunny afternoon, before he had time to react, John’s car was hit head-on. The other driver emerged with only minor injuries, but John was rushed to a local hospital by air ambulance in critical condition.

What is Complex Care?  

Complex care is required for people with acute, severe, and long-term health conditions. A patient who has been in an accident has had a stroke or is battling cancer may have complex care needs. In some cases, complex care is only needed for a short time as the patient recovers and rehabilitates. In other conditions that are chronic, palliative, or degenerative, complex care may continue for the rest of the client’s life.

Complex care requires interventions in most aspects of a person’s life. These might include help from a professional caregiver with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and ambulation. Caregivers also help with coordinating medical appointments, acquiring assistive equipment, and providing social support to the client and their families. A nurse or other healthcare professional is often also necessary to provide for the needs of the complex care patient. Regardless of what supports are required, all services must be overseen by an experienced Care Expert. This individual, who may be a nurse, acts as a guide for the patient, family, and the entire care team.

Elements of a Complex Care Plan

Daily Tasks

Beyond a complex care client’s basic daily care and safety needs, care aides also assist with medication reminders and household tasks, such as laundry and meal preparation. In addition to these in-home services, caregivers can provide transportation, as well as pick up necessities like groceries and prescriptions.

Companionship and Emotional Care

During such a challenging experience, it’s easy to become isolated.

One of the benefits of having a professional caregiver is the companionship they provide. A professional caregiver can also help their client maintain close relationships with friends and family using today’s technology to keep in touch with those they love. Establishing connections in their community is another great way a caregiver can enhance their client’s quality of life. With a trusted caregiver by their side, the client feels more comfortable participating in local support groups, enjoying activities at senior centers, or engaging in leisure activities and hobbies.

Specialized Care

All situations are unique, and some clients may require additional levels of specialized care. These are provided by trained and knowledgeable health care professionals, assembled by the client’s Care Expert. Special cases may include but are not limited to, dementia care, post-hospitalization wound management, as well as end-of-life care.

Administrative Tasks

Negotiating various services can be overwhelming as one adjusts to a major change. Care Coordinators can manage some of these tasks and guide a family through the complexities of caring for a loved one. These may include ordering specialized supplies, arranging additional support, and connecting with government agencies and facilities to determine if there is additional funding available to meet the client’s care needs.

What’s Involved in Developing a Complex Care Plan?  

Through ongoing, in-depth discussions with the family and, if appropriate, other health care providers, the Care Expert develops a unique plan to meet the client’s needs. This conversation helps determine exactly what assistance is required and ensures the care team has a full understanding of the client’s situation. The care plan will likely need to evolve over time. For this reason, there are regular check-ins to reassess the efficacy of the supports in place. The client and family are also encouraged to alert their Care Coordinator to changes at any point, ensuring that emerging needs are met. With this kind of comprehensive, collaborative care the home care agency is well equipped to meet the needs of the complex care client and their family.

As a result of the accident, John lost the ability to walk. He had also suffered a traumatic brain injury that compromised his memory and executive function. John improved more than anyone had expected during his hospital stay, but when he returned home, he and his family needed a lot of support. Thankfully, they connected with a home care agency that helped every step of the way. They ensured equipment, such as ramps and a hospital bed were in place before he came home. They coordinated caregivers to assist with activities of daily living as well as provide respite care when John’s wife needed a break. Their Care Coordinator communicated with other healthcare professionals so that John had the ongoing rehabilitation and mental health support he needed. Life as John knew it had changed to be sure. But with the support of his home care team, he and his family found peace of mind and John enjoyed a quality of life that went beyond his expectations.