Complex needs is defined as “people needing a high level of support with many aspects of their daily life and relying on a range of health and social care services. This may be because of illness, disability, broader life circumstances or a combination of these.”
‘Complex needs’ is often used as a blanket term for a wide range of different challenges. Complex needs can refer to a variety conditions such as disabilities or impairments that require daily support and can affect an individual’s ability to engage with education, work, or daily life on a physical, mental, and behavioural level.
Types of complex needs
Those with complex needs can have multiple, and often long-term, conditions. Because of this, many people require input from multiple agencies and support systems to receive the comprehensive care they deserve for a combination of different care needs.
Physical disabilities
People with cerebral palsy for example, or those who have lost mobility after experiencing a stroke can require additional support with mobility and daily tasks
Learning disabilities or profound and multiple learning difficulties
People with learning disabilities can benefit from specialised care and support to promote independence
Sensory impairments
Those with visual or hearing difficulties can require support to navigate public spaces or overcome language barriers
Communication difficulties
People with non-verbal autism or aphasia may require communication aids so they can interact with the world around them
Social and emotional challenges
Those with severe anxiety or depression for example, can benefit from working with specialists to manage schedules and develop coping strategies
Autism spectrum disorder
Those with autism might have tailored strategies depending on their needs, such as support with building routines or creating sensory-friendly environments
And of course, these needs can vary significantly from one individual to another, meaning highly personalised care that adapts to each person’s circumstances is vital.
People with complex needs may need support with tasks such as:
- Personal care – such as bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Everyday tasks – managing household chores such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping
- Healthcare – support when managing prescriptions or attending medical appointments
- Social interactions – building relationships, attending social events, and participating in community activities
- Mobility – assistance with moving around, whether it’s using mobility aids or traveling to and from places independently
How to support people with complex needs?
Providing care for complex needs takes some significant thought and planning to meet each person’s unique requirements. We’ve put together some key tips you may want to consider when supporting someone with complex needs.
1. Put them at the heart of their care
When it comes to supporting individuals with complex needs, it’s vital to put them at the forefront of every care decision. Every person you care for is unique, and their care plan should reflect that. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about understanding what truly matters to them. What do they need support with and what can they do themselves? What are their goals going forward? What makes their day a little brighter? Getting to the root of these questions by collaborating with the individual and their family can make all the difference when it comes to providing high-quality care. And being able to produce these tailored care plans, updating them at their needs change, helps to ensure they feel valued, and that your service is consistently meeting their needs.
2. Build a strong support network
The nature of supporting someone with complex needs can often mean managing several conditions at once. Because of this, it’s incredibly important to be able to collaborate and communicate with multiple health and care professionals, as well as your client’s family, friends and community, each with their own expertise that support the individual with each of their needs. Being able to coordinate care and service across multiple stakeholders is key for ensuring you can provide person-centred care every day.
3. Focus on care continuity
Having these strong support networks also helps to build vital care continuity. That means no matter how many transitions or changes happen throughout the care journey, the people you support always have consistent, reliable care they can trust. Plus, this continuity ensures that everything flows seamlessly, regardless of whether their regular care worker is off sick, or the individual’s circumstances suddenly change.
4. Lean on tech for simplified care management
Sector-focused software that is designed specifically for the needs of your service allows you to take full advantage of your organisation’s potential, giving you the tools you simply didn’t have with outdated or manual processes. Here’s how technology can support your teams when caring for those with complex needs:
As we’ve mentioned, no two people are the same and neither are their care plans. That’s why having a flexible care management system is critical for providing highly person-centred care to those using your service. Being able to update personalised care plans at the point of care and manage rosters in real-time ensures nothing slips through the cracks during those busting days of care, even during times of high demand.
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Cloud-based solutions for anytime access
Flexibility is key when it comes to supporting someone with complex needs because your teams can be out in the community at any given time. With cloud-based care software, it makes it possible to access care plans anytime, anywhere—even if you’ve lost signal. Plus, these systems are designed to be user-friendly, so your staff can easily find their way around, whether it’s checking schedules or making quick care updates.
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Keeping everyone in the loop
Whether it’s families, carers, or the individual themselves, everyone needs to stay on the same page when it comes to their care. If there’s a last-minute change in plans, like a missed visit or a care review, having a system that updates instantly is a game-changer. Remote access on any device means people have access to the most up-to-date information, no matter where they are. And being able to keep on top of any amendments in between visits ensures continuity of care as well as helping to build those vital relationships between your client and their support network.
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Spotting trends with digital insights
Modern tools don’t just store information—they help make sense of it. Create custom graphs and reports to quickly identify trends, like changes in mobility or health patterns, allowing your teams to work proactively instead of reactively, ensuring the individual’s needs are always met. And when it’s time for audits, these tools provide clear evidence of care quality and safety, giving your organisation the confidence to achieve and prove compliance across your entire organisation.
FAQs
How do complex needs affect learning?
Complex needs can include learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, which usually affect specific areas like reading or maths, and learning disabilities, which include reduced intellectual ability and have a broader impact on day-to-day functioning throughout a person’s life. But, with targeted interventions and the right support, many people whose complex needs affect their learning can achieve a meaningful level of independence and fulfilment.
How do complex needs affect daily life?
Complex needs present differently for every individual, but they often bring physical, social, and emotional challenges that can significantly impact daily life. Physical impairments might limit mobility, stamina or dexterity. Someone might need a walking aid to get around, while another person could rely entirely on carers for tasks like getting dressed or preparing food. Some individuals might also find it tough to manage everyday responsibilities, like attending appointments. And loneliness, or the stigma that too often surrounds disabilities, can sometimes lead to struggles with mental health too.
For those with particularly complex needs, being able to live independently requires the right support structures in place. That’s where personalised care strategies come into play, allowing people to still live rich, fulfilling lives no matter the challenges they face.
Care management for complex needs
Supporting individuals with complex needs isn’t about meeting basic requirements; it’s about creating opportunities for independence, fulfilment, and connection on their own terms.
With Care Management software, you can enhance care planning, simplify rostering, and empower your employees—all while prioritising those you care for.
Book a demo and speak to our team to see exactly how you can make sure your clients are always at the heart of their care journey.
