Last year over 160,000 people in the UK were assessed having an ongoing healthcare need which qualified for NHS continuing healthcare funding and many of these require ongoing complex care and support in order to live at home safely. However, there is often a lack of clarity around exactly what complex care provides and what it entails. So, what exactly is complex care, and how does it differ from regular domiciliary care?

In this blog, we answer some of the common questions about complex care and how it is delivered.

What is Complex Care?

HFH Healthcare is dedicated to supporting individuals with complex healthcare needs, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care tailored to their unique requirements. Our commitment to providing high-quality care aligns with the services offered by the National Health Service (NHS), particularly Continuing Healthcare (CHC) and extends across versatile settings and is designed to address the intricacies of Continuing Healthcare.

We specialise in exclusively providing complex care services which can be defined as; supporting individuals who due to the nature of their condition, require significant intervention from clinically skilled care givers to manage their health needs. Most will have intense care requirements, both in terms of a) the time a care giver will need to spend with them, usually 24 hours and b) the risk posed should there be no one trained to support their complex needs.

These patient groups also include people who require frequent complex interventions throughout the day, some of which will be highly unpredictable in nature requiring prompt, skilled care delivery to prevent harm.

Complex care is usually required following a person’s discharge from hospital and enables those with complex health conditions to live their lives as independently as possible at home. Read our blog for more information on what complex care is.

What is a complex care plan?

A complex care plan is designed to ensure the safe and effective delivery of care to individuals with complex needs. The process begins with a thorough assessment of a person, their condition, and the specialised care required to meet their unique needs. At HFH, we work with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to create well-rounded care plans tailored to each individual’s circumstances and needs.

Following the initial assessment, a team of specialist carers will be assembled that are highly trained in the specialist care required. A care plan should take a holistic approach to client care, taking into consideration both the emotional and physical needs of the clients and their overall well-being.

You can read our dedicated blog to find out more about how to set up a complex care plan.

What is a complex care assistant?

A complex care assistant is a caregiver who undergoes specialist nurse-led training to provide complex care and support to clients. This includes expert skills in medical care and management, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary assistance with their conditions along with supporting them in their daily tasks and activities.

What is complex care management?

Complex care management involves the coordination and oversight of intricate and highly complex care plans. This involves the organisation of medical resources and services to ensure safe and effective delivery of care.

At HFH Healthcare, our approach to complex care management is comprehensive, integrating medical expertise, continuous nurse-led training, and regular evaluations to guarantee the highest standards of care for our clients at all times.

How does complex care differ from other types of care?

Complex care differs from other types of home care due to its more specialised nature for those with long-term or chronic health conditions. Unlike general home care, complex care requires a higher level of expertise and ongoing support from care professionals who are trained to manage specific medical conditions.

While domiciliary or home care may support clients with daily activities and general care, complex care involves a more intricate understanding of complex health conditions and medication management. It is tailored to provide personalised support that goes beyond typical home care services.

What conditions does complex care cover, and what services do you offer?

Complex care covers a broad range of health conditions and disabilities. At HFH, we specialise in a wide range of complex care to meet the needs of our clients. Our services include:

● Airway and respiratory care
● Spinal injury care
● Brain injury care
● Neurological care
● Autism and learning disabilities
● Transition services

Our nurse-led approach ensures that our caregivers are expertly trained to deliver highly complex care that is specific to each client depending on their specific condition, offering peace of mind to clients and their families.

Why are complex care services important?

Complex care services are vital in ensuring those with complex needs have the choice to live safely at home. By providing specialised support, complex care services empower individuals to live as independently as possible. The ability to take people home from the hospital takes efficiently pressure off the NHS services and bed spaces, while offering optimised health outcomes for those with complex health conditions.

How is complex care regulated?

In-home complex care services are regulated by the Care Quality Commission CQC to ensure client safety and care that is delivered to the highest of standards. Providers of complex care are required to be registered with the CQC for Treatment of disease, disorder or injury. At HFH, we actively engage with the CQC to maintain stringent standards of quality care. We continuously monitor and review our care practices with regular audits and feedback from our clients in the form of surveys, forums and face-to-face meetings to ensure client satisfaction and safety. Follow the link to find out more about our quality and assurance.

What makes HFH Healthcare different from other complex care providers?

At HFH Healthcare we exclusively focus of complex care service delivery, and we take an outcome-based approach to care that is always centred around our clients’ personal needs and wants. We understand that every client is unique, and so is their care. We work with clients and their families to understand their care preferences and how they want their care to be delivered.

We take a holistic approach to our care, taking into consideration a client’s emotional, mental and physical well-being to ensure our clients truly thrive to the very best of their ability. Our care is nurse-led, meaning that all our carers are expertly trained to deliver highly complex care from a highly trained clinical team of nurses. Thanks to this, our care is delivered to the highest of standards every time.

How do I arrange complex care for myself or a loved one?

Many clients are referred to us from the NHS while in the hospital, and our dedicated team at HFH works closely with healthcare professionals to mobilise care plans allowing for a safe and supported return home. However, if you have an existing Personal Health Budget (PHB) in place or you have not yet been referred and you or a loved one requires complex care services, then you can reach out directly to our team to discuss what services you may require.

If you would like to find out more about the complex care services we provide, please call our friendly team on 0208 605 9714 or email referrals@hfhhealthcare.co.uk. Alternatively, if you are looking to join our dedicated care team, then please browse our vacancies here.