Are you a parent or carer supporting a child with complex care needs? If so, you’re not alone. This post will briefly outline what sort of care needs you may need to consider, before exploring the support that’s available for children with complex care needs, along with their parents and carers.
What Are Complex Care Needs in Children?
Some children have complex care needs because of an illness, disability or sensory impairment. They may need additional support with their care and everyday activities, sometimes from several different professionals or services.
These complex care needs may be present from birth, or they may develop following an illness or injury.
What Type of Care Needs Might Children Have?
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) lists a number of examples of complex care needs for children:
- Oxygen dependency – the child might need an oxygen tank in order to breathe properly.
- Tracheostomies requiring regular suction.
- Enteral feeding, via nasogastric procedures, or by a gastrostomy or jejunostomy.
- Extensive medication requirements.
The specific care requirements will depend on the child’s underlying condition. Alongside their specialist healthcare needs, children with complex care needs may also benefit from emotional support and help with communication. They may also need support with mobility, behaviour and personal care tasks such as eating, dressing and washing.
The Importance of a Care Plan
The child will need a care plan that’s tailored to meet their specific needs. This care plan should be person-centred, meaning it’s focused on the child and not their condition. It should prioritise their privacy and dignity, and the child should be involved in as many discussions as possible about their preferences.
The child should also have an emergency care plan, which should outline the steps parents, carers, and medical professionals should take in the event of an emergency.
What Type of Support is Available For Children With Complex Care Needs?
The NHS has a list of organisations that may be able to provide support for children with complex care needs, along with their parents and carers:
- Contact your local council to ask about any provisions in your area, including parent carer groups.
- Ask your GP to add you to their carers register. They can then offer advice on local organisations and carer services in your area, and they can also help ensure you do not lose sight of your own health and wellbeing while caring for your child.
- Call Carers direct on 0300 123 1053. The lines are open 9.00 am to 8.00 pm Mondays to Fridays, and from 11 am to 4.00 pm on weekends.
The NHS also lists a number of charities that may be able to offer support:
- Contact offers advice and information to families with disabled children.
- Bliss offers dedicated support for families with babies in special care.
- Many charities are focused on specific conditions, such as the Down’s Syndrome Association, the National Autistic Society, and Action Cerebral Palsy.
How to Ensure Your Child’s Medical and Healthcare Needs are Met
The NHS is responsible for meeting your child’s medical and healthcare needs. This can include supplying any specialist medical equipment they might needs, such as mobility aids, special beds, and hoisting equipment.
If the child has complex care needs that cannot be met by any existing universal or specialist services, then they may be eligible to receive a continuing care package. If so, they will be able to access a personal health budget to get the support they need.
The Role of Respite Care
If you are looking after a child with complex care needs, respite care can help you take a much needed and well-deserved break from your caring responsibilities.
This can be beneficial for both you and your child. It can help you avoid exhaustion and burnout, and which in the long-term will help you be there for your child when they need you most. And while you’re taking a break, qualified carers can step in to ensure your child continues to get the support they need.
Read our full guide to respite care for parents and carers. While this guide focuses on children with autism, it contains advice and information that could apply to a child with any kind of complex care needs.
How Crossroads Care Can Support Children With Complex Care Needs
If you live in Surrey or by its borders, you can get bespoke support with the Crossroads Direct service.
We offer comprehensive home care services for children with complex care needs. Our respite care can also give you the opportunity to take some much-needed time for yourself, while knowing that your child is being cared for by trained and compassionate Support Workers who understand and respect their individual needs.This could be for a few hours or, depending on your circumstances, for a few days.
Find out more and get in touch for a free care and support consultation today.
Learn more about Crossroads Direct home help services. For more information, call 01372 677 831.
