Levels of Care

The care provided within our facilities is designed to meet the unique medical, emotional, and personal needs of each resident, focusing on delivering a compassionate, person-centred approach. Our care pathways are based on the level of dependency and medical complexity, ensuring that each resident receives the exact care they need to live their life as comfortably as possible.

This comprehensive guide outlines the levels of care available at Valorum Care Group, focusing on two main categories: Level 1 (High Dependency Specialist Nursing Care) and Level 2 (Specialist Nursing Care). Both levels are underpinned by a philosophy of dignity, respect, and holistic care, involving highly trained staff and cutting-edge medical technologies.

Understanding Levels of Care

Valorum Care Group recognises that each individual presents with unique healthcare needs, which often fluctuate over time due to the progression of chronic conditions, acute episodes of illness, or recovery from medical interventions. Therefore, we have developed a tiered system of care to ensure residents receive the right level of support, whether they require round-the-clock intensive medical supervision or more routine specialist nursing.

Level 1 (L1) – High Dependency Specialist Nursing Care

Overview

Level 1 care is designed for residents with the most complex health conditions and high levels of dependency. These individuals require continuous supervision and 24/7 nursing care to manage chronic or acute conditions that significantly impact their day-to-day lives. L1 residents often rely on respiratory support, frequent medical interventions, and other life-sustaining treatments. This level of care also covers individuals recovering from surgeries or medical procedures that necessitate intensive monitoring and specialised nursing care.

Who Requires Level 1 Care?

L1 care is typically required by individuals experiencing severe medical issues such as:

• Neurological conditions: Residents with conditions like multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, or advanced Parkinson’s disease may require continuous care to manage symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing complications, or extreme immobility.
• Chronic respiratory conditions: Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or other severe respiratory conditions may need constant monitoring, oxygen therapy, or ventilatory support.
• Advanced heart failure: Those with severe cardiovascular issues may require daily interventions, frequent medical monitoring, and potentially life-supporting treatments.
  Acute post-surgical recovery: After complex surgical procedures, some residents may need continuous monitoring and medical interventions to prevent complications and manage pain.
• Palliative care: L1 also applies to those in the advanced stages of life-limiting conditions requiring symptom management, pain control, and emotional support.

Key Components of Level 1 Care

• 24/7 Nursing Care: Residents receiving L1 care require constant medical attention from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, specialist carers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and medical consultants.
• Respiratory Support: For individuals with chronic or acute respiratory conditions, L1 care involves monitoring oxygen levels, administering oxygen therapy, and using non-invasive or invasive ventilation systems. In some cases, specialised respiratory physiotherapy is provided to ensure residents maintain optimal lung function and comfort.
• Medical Interventions: Residents may require frequent medical interventions such as intravenous (IV) therapy, catheter management, feeding tubes, and tracheostomy care. Our nurses are highly skilled in delivering these complex treatments while ensuring the resident’s dignity and comfort are always maintained.
• Chronic Condition Management: Conditions like diabetes, advanced heart disease, and renal failure require careful, ongoing management. L1 care focuses on preventing complications by adhering to strict care plans and providing timely medical interventions, such as dialysis, insulin management, and continuous heart monitoring.
• Holistic Wellbeing and Comfort: Our approach to L1 care goes beyond the clinical. We believe in providing holistic care that addresses the mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of our residents. As part of this, we work closely with families and the residents themselves to create personalised care plans that reflect their wishes and ensure comfort throughout their stay.
• Advanced Assistive Technologies: At Valorum Care Group, we embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance the quality of life for our residents. Assistive devices such as hoists, specialised beds, and mobility aids ensure that residents can move safely and comfortably with minimal discomfort, even in cases of high immobility.

Resident Case Study

A service user, 68, has advanced COPD and heart failure. She requires oxygen therapy 24/7, regular nebuliser treatments, and non-invasive ventilation at night. The nursing staff also administer IV diuretics for fluid retention and monitor her vitals throughout the day. Due to her complex needs, Mary resides in a Level 1 care facility, where a team of specialists ensures she is comfortable and her symptoms are well-managed.

Level 2 (L2) – Specialist Nursing Care

Overview

Level 2 care is intended for residents who require intensive nursing care but do not need the constant acute interventions seen in L1. Residents in L2 care may still experience significant health issues, but their conditions are generally stable enough to allow for less frequent monitoring. L2 care focuses on supporting residents with complex but stable health conditions and maintaining their overall wellbeing.

Who Requires Level 2 Care?

L2 care is typically provided to individuals with health conditions that require specialised nursing but not high-dependency care. These might include:

• Moderate neurological conditions: Residents with moderate stages of conditions like Parkinson’s disease or early-onset dementia, where specialised nursing care is needed but without the need for round-the-clock monitoring.
• Diabetes management: Individuals with complex diabetes require regular insulin injections, blood sugar monitoring, and dietary management, but with fewer immediate complications.
• Chronic but stable cardiovascular disease: Those with heart disease that is being managed effectively through medication and lifestyle interventions may need regular nursing care but not continuous interventions.
• Post-surgical recovery: Residents recovering from surgeries who are stable but require specialist wound care, mobility assistance, and rehabilitation services may fall under L2 care.
• Mental health conditions: Residents with long-term mental health conditions, such as severe depression or schizophrenia, who need emotional support, medication management, and regular monitoring may also be placed in L2 care.

Key Components of Level 2 Care

• Intensive Nursing Care: L2 care involves specialist nursing focused on managing complex health conditions. While these residents do not require constant acute medical interventions, they still need routine nursing to support their health and prevent complications.
• Rehabilitation and Mobility Support: Rehabilitation is a core component of L2 care, particularly for residents recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions that affect mobility. Our specialist rehabilitation team, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists, works with residents to regain strength and improve mobility.
• Wound Care and Management: Residents in L2 care may require wound care for surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, or chronic conditions like diabetes that affect skin health. Our nurses are skilled in providing advanced wound management techniques, promoting healing, and preventing infection.
• Medication Management: Many L2 residents require complex medication regimes that must be carefully managed by nursing staff. This includes the administration of medications, monitoring of potential side effects, and adjustment of doses in collaboration with medical consultants.
• Mental Health Support: For residents with co-existing mental health conditions, our L2 care teams provide both medical and emotional support. This includes regular mental health check-ins, medication management, and therapeutic activities designed to enhance cognitive function and emotional wellbeing.
• Respite and Long-Term Care Options: L2 care is available for both long-term residents and those seeking temporary respite care. This ensures that individuals receive the care they need, whether they are recovering from an acute illness or require ongoing support due to chronic conditions.

Resident Case Study

A service user, 75, is recovering from hip replacement surgery. While his overall health is stable, he requires daily wound care, pain management, and support with mobility. The physiotherapy team works with John to regain his strength while the nursing staff manage his pain relief and ensure that his wound heals properly. John is expected to remain in Level 2 care for six weeks before transitioning to less intensive support.

Holistic Care Approach

At Valorum Care Group, we believe that care should not just be about managing symptoms—it should encompass the entire person. This includes emotional, social, and psychological support. Whether residents are in Level 1 or Level 2 care, we ensure their mental and emotional wellbeing is prioritised through activities, social interaction, and therapeutic programmes.

Activities and Therapeutic Support

• Creative Therapy: For residents who benefit from creative outlets, we offer art, music, and drama therapy. These programmes are tailored to each resident’s abilities and interests, providing a way to express themselves and engage with others.
• Physical Therapy: Regular physical activity is important for both mental and physical health. Our physiotherapists work closely with residents to develop tailored exercise programmes that suit their individual needs, promoting physical strength and wellbeing.
• Emotional and Psychological Support: Living with chronic illness or recovering from surgery can be emotionally draining. Our staff is trained to provide compassionate emotional support, helping residents cope with feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety.

Family Involvement

We believe that the involvement of family members is essential in delivering quality care. Families are encouraged to participate in care planning and decision-making, ensuring that residents’ personal wishes are respected. Open communication between the care team and family members is maintained at all times.

Transitioning Between Care Levels

At Valorum Care Group, we recognise that residents’ needs may change over time, and we are committed to ensuring smooth transitions between different levels of care as needed. Whether a resident requires a temporary step up to L1 care due to an acute health crisis or a step down to L2 as their condition stabilises, our team works closely with healthcare professionals, residents, and families to ensure the transition is seamless.

Our multidisciplinary team assesses each resident regularly to determine the most appropriate level of care. These assessments consider the resident’s physical health, mobility, cognitive abilities, and emotional wellbeing, ensuring that each individual is cared for in the most appropriate setting.

The level of care required by an individual can change over time, but what remains constant is Valorum Care Group’s commitment to providing exceptional, person-centred care at every stage of life. Whether residents require the intensive support of L1 High Dependency Specialist Nursing Care or the steady, compassionate management of L2 Specialist Nursing Care, they can be assured that their health, comfort, and dignity will always be our top priorities.

Our holistic approach, coupled with the expertise of our dedicated team of carers and medical professionals, ensures that each resident receives the care they need to live their life as fully as possible. We are proud to offer an environment where individuals can feel supported, respected, and cared for, no matter the complexities of their condition.

Our Commitment