Complex Conditions Nursing Care

What is Complex Care?

Complex care is a specialised form of support designed for individuals living with chronic or long-term health conditions or disabilities. This type of care is distinct due to its need for specialised clinical or medical interventions from highly trained professionals. People requiring complex care typically have neuro-disabilities or neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, acquired brain injury, or complex dementia. It also encompasses those with spinal injury, physical disability, learning disability, or autism.

The hallmark of complex care is its reliance on specialist interventions and support from dedicated teams, including Registered Nurses and Health Care Assistants. In addition, it often involves the use of advanced medical equipment, such as PEG feeding tubes, ventilators, or Hickman lines.

Components of Complex Care

Care homes specialising in complex care typically house teams of skilled professionals. These teams may include:

• Registered Nurses and Health Care Assistants: Provide daily medical and personal care.
• Physiotherapists: Help with physical rehabilitation and maintaining mobility.
• Life Skills Coordinators: Support individuals in developing and maintaining essential life skills.
• Behaviour Support Specialists: Assist with managing behaviours associated with complex conditions.

The primary goal of complex care is to deliver person-centred support tailored to an individual’s holistic needs, promoting independence and enhancing quality of life. This form of care is also known as long-term care or continuing care.

Providers of Complex Care

In the UK, the NHS is the leading provider of complex healthcare services. Following hospital treatment, individuals may transition to nursing homes specialising in complex care needs. Valorum Care Group is among the notable providers, offering specialist nursing care for individuals with complex and acute conditions. This approach allows patients to receive necessary care in a community-based setting, closer to family and friends.

Who Needs Complex Care?

Complex care needs can arise from various conditions, including:

• Chronic or long-term health conditions: Such as Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease.
• Progressive illnesses: Leading to increased care needs over time.
• Disabilities: Both physical and learning disabilities.
• Serious accidents or injuries: Resulting in long-term health impacts.

Valorum Care Group supports adults with a range of complex needs, including:

• Acquired brain injury or stroke
• Complex dementia
• Learning disability and/or autism
• Neuro-disabilities
• Complex mental health needs
• Spinal injury

People with these conditions may require specialised nursing care involving:

• Behaviours of concern
• Tracheostomy care
• Ventilator support
• PEG feeding lines
• Hickman lines

Approach to Complex Care at Valorum Care Group

At Valorum Care Group, the focus is on maximising independence and enhancing the quality of life. Our homes facilitate the transition from hospital settings or secure environments to community-based living, providing long-term nursing care for those with degenerative or life-limiting illnesses.

Our approach is highly personalised. We collaborate with individuals, their families, and healthcare professionals to design bespoke care plans tailored to specific needs and goals. High staffing levels of Registered Nurses and trained Health Care Assistants are maintained to ensure that care is provided at the individual’s own pace, fostering trust and leading to improved long-term outcomes.

Funding for Complex Care

Navigating the funding landscape for complex care can be challenging, but understanding the options available is crucial for ensuring that individuals receive the support they need. NHS Continuing Healthcare funding provides comprehensive coverage for those with primary health-related needs, while local authorities offer support based on financial assessments. Joint funding arrangements further ensure that individuals with complex needs receive appropriate care without the burden of prohibitive costs.

Individuals with significant, ongoing health needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. Eligibility is determined through an assessment by the local Integrated Care Board (ICB), focusing on the primary health-related needs.

For those not eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, funding can be sought through local authorities. Most residents in Valorum Care Group homes have their care funded by NHS Continuing Healthcare or through joint funding arrangements with local authorities.

Arranging Complex Care

The process of arranging complex care begins with consulting your GP or local social services team. They will conduct an initial assessment to determine if a full NHS Continuing Healthcare Assessment is necessary. This comprehensive assessment gathers input from various professionals regarding your medical, physical, mental health, and social care needs.

The ICB, responsible for funding care in your area, will review the assessment and provide a written decision. They will assist in identifying the appropriate care package, which could involve care in a nursing home or domiciliary care at home.

During the assessment process, your views and preferences must be considered. If a care home is deemed the best option, you will be offered a choice of homes equipped with the necessary facilities and expertise to meet your needs.

Even if financial assistance is granted, you remain in control of the final choice of care home, ensuring that it aligns with your preferences and requirements.