Examples of complex needs
- Spinal cord injury or serious mobility problems
- Neurological conditions such as MND, MS or brain injury
- Tracheostomy and ventilator support
- PEG or other enteral feeding
- Advanced dementia with behaviour changes
What is complex care at home?
You may have been told that you or a loved one needs “complex care” – but what does that really mean in everyday life? This guide explains complex care in simple terms and how it can work safely in your own home.
Complex care in plain language
Complex care usually means that someone has significant, ongoing health needs which require more than basic personal care. It often involves clinical tasks, specialist equipment or multiple conditions that need careful management.
What makes care “complex”?
- Need for regular, skilled clinical tasks
- High risk if things are not done correctly
- Multiple professionals involved in care
- Need for detailed, regularly updated care plans
Where can complex care happen?
Complex care does not automatically mean hospital or a care home. With the right planning, training and support, many people safely receive complex care in their own homes.
Who provides complex care at home?
Complex care at home is a team effort. Different people have different roles.
NHS & clinical professionals
Consultants, GPs, community nurses and therapists assess clinical needs, prescribe treatments and write care plans. They may also train and sign off carers as competent for specific tasks.
Home care provider
A specialist home care provider, like Bespoke Personal Home Care, arranges day-to-day visits, trains carers, coordinates rotas and ensures that care plans and risk assessments are followed.
Complex care support workers
These are carers with additional training and ongoing supervision. They carry out daily care and delegated clinical tasks, and are often the people you see most frequently.
What does complex care at home look like day to day?
Every package is different, but here are some common elements of complex home care.
Clinical tasks (delegated)
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning (when trained and signed off)
- PEG or other enteral feeding regimes
- Catheter, stoma and bowel care
- Monitoring breathing, skin integrity and general health
Personal & practical support
- Washing, dressing and continence care
- Preparing meals, snacks and drinks
- Keeping the environment clean and safe
- Shopping, errands and appointments
Emotional support & quality of life
- Companionship and reassurance
- Support with hobbies and interests
- Encouraging independence where possible
- Helping families feel less alone with caring
How is complex care at home funded?
Complex care packages can be funded in different ways – privately, through local authority support, or through NHS Continuing Healthcare if the person has a “primary health need”.
Common funding routes
- Private self-funding
- Local authority funding and direct payments
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) and personal health budgets
We always recommend getting up-to-date information from official sources and independent advice if you are unsure.
Read our Pricing & Funding guide →How we work with funded packages
We regularly support people whose care is funded in different ways. Our main focus is whether we can safely deliver the complex care required at home and build a sustainable package around you.
Is complex care at home right for us?
Complex care at home can be an excellent alternative to hospital or residential care, but it isn’t always the right option. It depends on the person’s needs, home environment, family situation and the availability of skilled support.
Questions to consider
- Is there enough space and equipment at home?
- Are there family or friends who can be involved if they wish?
- Are you comfortable with staff coming in and out each day?
- Do you feel more at ease at home than in a care setting?
How we help you decide
We will always be honest about whether complex care at home is realistic and safe for your situation. If we don’t think it is, we’ll say so and explain why.
Talk to us about your situationComplex care in and around Milton Keynes
Bespoke Personal Home Care provides complex care across Milton Keynes and a wide surrounding area, including Bedford, Northampton, Luton, Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard and many villages in between.
Check if we cover your area
If you live within roughly an hour’s drive of Milton Keynes, there’s a good chance we can help. Send us your postcode and a short note about the support you’re looking for.
See Areas We Cover →Ready to talk about complex care?
You don’t need to have all the answers before you contact us. We’re here to help you work out what’s possible and what might be best for your situation.
Phone: YOUR-PHONE-NUMBER
Email: info@bespokepersonalhomecare.co.uk