What Is Complex Care?

Caring for someone with complex care needs requires carers to be proficiently trained in specific care techniques, such as PEG feeding, gastrostomy care, oxygen therapy, or other specialist care methods. These skills are usually learnt and taught in nurse training centres. 

In terms of how to care for someone with complex care needs, one of the first steps involved is developing a care plan by assessing activities of daily living. Essentially, all basic requirements that allow someone to remain as comfortable and physically healthy as possible need to be considered. Plus, all of these will need to be manageable by the carer alone. These include:

• Nutrition: preparing and serving meals for the individual, and assisting with feeding where required. This type of care is often organised through meetings with dietitians and nutritionists to ensure suitable nutrition is being provided – as well as the patient’s personal preferences being written into meal plans. 
• Mobility: keeping as active as possible is important, especially for patients with restricted mobility. Carers may need to regularly change their position and provide pressure area care to prevent injuries or joint pain. Physiotherapists often contribute to a safe mobility plan which is passed on to the carer to ensure all movement activities, outside time and social interactions are delivered. 
• Cleanliness: carers must help with routine washing, dental care, haircare and other hygiene practices.
• Continence: assisting with any continence aid and maintaining bowel and bladder care.