In some circumstances, regular live-in care is just not enough. If you or a loved one requires specialist support provided by trained carers and overseen by a qualified clinical nurse, it could be that a nursing care package is your best option.
In this guide, we take a look at what nursing care at home looks like and how it differs from other forms of professional support. We’ll also outline what is meant by ‘complex care’, and highlight the key benefits live-in nursing care can bring.
What is nursing care at home?
As the name suggests, nursing care at home involves professional medical care provided in an individual’s home by trained nurses. It’s designed for individuals who need ongoing medical support but prefer to remain in a familiar, comfortable environment, such as their own home.
This service can include a broad range of services, tailored to the specific requirements of the individual in question. This can make it more personal and flexible than residential care options. Common services include:
- Administering medications
- Injury/wound care
- Monitoring vital signs
- Providing physiotherapy where appropriate
- Assisting with treatments such as dialysis and chemotherapy
- Assisting with medical equipment like ventilators and feeding tubes
With these last two points in mind, it’s important to note that individuals that benefit from nursing care at home often include the elderly, those recovering from major surgery, people with chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes or kidney failure, or those with disabilities. The idea being, it can help them maintain their independence while ensuring they receive the highest quality healthcare support.
What is complex care in nursing?
Complex care is a part of nursing care, and can be built into care packages for individuals who have long-term and/or complicated health conditions, some of which we have touched on above. This type of healthcare support takes into account the extra and specialist care certain individuals may need in order to manage their symptoms and complete daily tasks at home.
Typically speaking, complex nursing care differs from regular home care due to the requirement of a medical intervention of some sort. Conditions that require complex care include:
- Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney failure.
- Neurological disorders, including individuals who have suffered from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), or Parkinson’s disease.
- Cancer, if the individual being treated is already frail and undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or palliative treatments.
- Ventilator-dependent illnesses, including individuals with respiratory failure.
- Severe debilitating conditions, such as cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease (MND), or spinal cord injuries.
- End-of-life conditions, where patients require palliative care.
What are the benefits of nursing care at home?
There are various benefits nursing care at home can bring when compared to other care options, especially for individuals with complex medical needs.
Personalised care plans
One of the main benefits of nursing care at home is the personalised approach. Here at IP Homecare, we ensure every care plan is 100% tailored to the individual’s specific health needs. This makes sure that all treatments, therapies, and medications are administered according to the individual’s condition, own personal preferences, and daily routine. This is not always the case in residential nursing homes.
Complex care is provided in a familiar environment
Receiving care in a familiar setting is always important. However, when it comes to complex care, this can play an even more significant role in overall wellbeing. After all, individuals will also feel more comfortable and secure in their own homes, and this fact alone can help with faster recovery, improved overall outcomes, or simply a better quality of life.
A more holistic approach to care
Put simply, nursing care at home allows professional carers to immerse themselves into the individual’s life, meaning they can focus on treating the whole person and their situation, rather than just treating their condition. At IP Homecare, this more holistic approach we can provide sees medical treatment combined with vital emotional support that helps our clients to maintain a better quality of life.
Patients can spend more time with loved ones
At IP Homecare, we understand the importance of friends and family when it comes to care plans. Our nursing care at home packages allow individuals to spend more time with their loved ones when compared to residential options. This is not only better for friends and family but can also play a significant role in improving the emotional health and wellbeing of the recipient of care.
To find out more about nursing care at home packages, Contact Us Today
At IP Homecare, we understand the importance of assessing all your options carefully before making a decision. To this end, we can offer ongoing support and guidance on all aspects of our live-in care services, and provide our professional advice.