High Care Nursing Services: Professional Complex Support at Home

When a family member’s health declines significantly due to age, disability, or a progressive illness, the term “High Care” often enters the conversation. Historically associated with nursing homes, modern healthcare advancements now allow individuals with complex needs to receive hospital-level High Care within the comfort of their own homes.

At Nursed, we specialise in bridging the gap between hospital and home. Our dedicated team of Registered Nurses and experienced support workers provides intensive, 24/7 support for NDIS participants and Home Care Package recipients who require a higher level of clinical vigilance and personal assistance.

What is High Care?

High Care (often referred to as complex care or high intensity support) is distinct from standard home help. It is designed for individuals who require almost constant assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and have medical needs that require clinical oversight.

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, high-level care addresses severe functional impairments and complex medical conditions. This level of care ensures that clients remain safe, comfortable, and medically stable without needing to move into a residential facility.

Who Requires High Care Services?

High Care is not “one size fits all.” It is typically required by individuals facing significant health challenges, including:

• Advanced Dementia: Where cognitive decline requires 24/7 supervision to prevent wandering or injury. Resources from Dementia Australia highlight the necessity of specialised support as the condition progresses.
• Neurological Conditions: Such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or severe Parkinson’s, where mobility and swallowing may be compromised.
• Post-Hospitalisation: Patients discharged after major surgery or stroke who need intensive rehabilitation and wound management.
• End of Life: Individuals choosing to pass away at home requiring palliative nursing.

Our High Care Services Breakdown

Nursed adopts a multidisciplinary approach. We coordinate with your GP, specialists, and allied health professionals to deliver a robust care plan.

1. 24/7 Nursing and Supervision

Health emergencies do not adhere to business hours. For high-risk clients, we provide round-the-clock care. This includes overnight support (active night or sleepover shifts) to monitor vital signs, manage pain, and assist with toileting. Information on the importance of overnight respite can be found via Carers Gateway.

2. Clinical Procedures (High Intensity Supports)

Our Registered Nurses perform complex clinical tasks that standard care workers cannot. These include:

• Complex Wound Management: Treatment of stage 3-4 pressure injuries and surgical wounds.
• Enteral Feeding (PEG/NG): Managing tube feeding for nutrition, adhering to strict hygiene standards to prevent infection.
• Catheter and Stoma Care: Management of indwelling catheters and colostomy bags, following guidelines from the Continence Foundation of Australia.
• Medication Administration: Managing Schedule 8 drugs (controlled substances) and subcutaneous injections (e.g., insulin, anticoagulants).

3. Palliative and End-of-Life Care

High care often encompasses palliative support. Our goal is to manage symptoms (pain, nausea, breathing difficulties) to ensure the highest quality of life in the final stages. We follow the gold standards set by Palliative Care Australia to provide compassionate, dignified care for the patient and emotional support for the family.

Funding High Care: NDIS and Aged Care

Understanding the funding landscape is crucial for accessing these services. Nursed supports clients from both major Australian funding streams.

NDIS Participants

For those under 65, High Care usually falls under High Intensity Daily Personal Activities. The NDIS Pricing Arrangements provide higher funding limits for these supports because they require staff with advanced skills and qualifications.

To access this, your NDIS plan must reflect the complexity of your needs. We can work with your Support Coordinator to provide the necessary clinical evidence.

Aged Care (Home Care Packages)

For Australians over 65, a Level 4 Home Care Package is intended for “high-level care needs.” As explained by My Aged Care, this package offers the maximum subsidy available to keep older Australians in their own homes.

Nursed can maximise your package value, ensuring that the majority of funds go directly to nursing and care hours rather than administration fees.

Clinical Governance and Safety

Providing High Care carries significant responsibility. Nursed operates under a strict Clinical Governance Framework. This means:

1. AHPRA Registration: All our nurses are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
2. NDIS Practice Standards: We adhere to the stringent High Intensity Skill Descriptors outlined by the NDIS Commission.
3. Continuous Training: Our staff receive regular training on dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), manual handling, and infection control to meet Australian Standards.

Why Choose Nursed for High Care?

When you need high-level support, trust is non-negotiable. You are inviting professionals into your most private space to handle your most vulnerable moments.

We pride ourselves on:

• Consistency: We build small, dedicated teams for each client to ensure you see familiar faces who know your routine.
• Clinical Excellence: Our care is led by nurses, not administrators.
• Empathy: We treat our clients like family, respecting their dignity and preferences at all times.

Contact Us for an Assessment

Do not wait for a crisis to organise High Care. If you notice a decline in function or an increase in medical needs, contact Nursed immediately.

Our clinical team can conduct a comprehensive in-home assessment to determine the level of support required. Let us provide the professional, high-quality care you deserve.