When someone you love is facing a chronic illness, disability, or recovering from a life-changing injury, it can be overwhelming to truly understand the world of care options.
You may have heard the term “complex care” thrown around, but what does it really mean? And how can you tell if it’s the right fit for your family member?
Let’s break it down together.
What is Complex Care, Anyway?
If your loved one is dealing with serious or long-term health challenges and needs regular medical support, hands-on help with daily life, or specialist rehabilitation, complex care might be precisely what’s needed.
It’s a more involved kind of care — tailored to people whose needs go beyond what standard home care or assisted living usually covers. With complex care, a multidisciplinary team work together to build a care plan that fits the individual, not just the condition.
Some situations that might call for complex care include:
- Brain or spinal cord injuries
- Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or epilepsy
- Degenerative conditions such as motor neurone disease
- Chronic respiratory issues that need ventilation support
- Congenital disabilities or rare genetic disorders
However, complex care is by no means limited to situations on this list. It’s always worth considering when standard care isn’t delivering the required support.
Signs That Your Loved One Might Need Complex Care
It’s not always easy to tell when it’s time to consider complex care, especially if your loved one’s condition is gradually changing. Here are a few signals to watch out for:
- More frequent trips to the hospital
- Trouble keeping up with medications or treatment plans
- Struggling with mobility or basic self-care activities
- Changes in cognitive function or communication abilities
- Needing specialised medical equipment or 24/7 monitoring
If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to talk to the relevant care team. They can help you figure out the specific needs and point you in the right direction.
Finding the Perfect Complex Care Fit
So, you’ve determined that your loved one could benefit from complex care. Now what?
It’s time to explore your options and find a package of care that feels right for your family.
When you’re weighing your choices, think about:
- The qualifications and experience of the care team
- The variety of services and therapies available
- How flexible and personalised the care plans are
- Whether 24/7 support is offered
- The costs and funding options
You can also consider live-in complex care, where a dedicated care professional moves into your loved one’s home to provide round-the-clock support.
With live-in care, your family member benefits from the continuity of having a consistent caregiver who deeply understands their needs and preferences.
Learn more about live-in care here.
Taking the First Step
If you think complex care could help your loved one live more comfortably — and with more dignity — HASCS is here to help.
Our team of seasoned care professionals will be by your side every step of the way, from assessing your loved one’s situation to building a care plan that helps them live their life to its fullest.
Give us a call today to discover our full range of complex care solutions and start your journey towards a brighter future for your loved one.
