The Importance of Providing a Continuum of Care
A continuum of care provides individuals with the care they need at each stage of their life. It allows for the transition of care to move seamlessly from one type of care to the next, in line with their changing health care needs. Delivering care in this way gives older adults a wide variety of options to age comfortably in their home of choice, without having to move homes.
Providing a continuum of care is significant for individuals who are elderly, more dependent on health services, suffering from complex medical conditions, mentally vulnerable, and those with chronic diseases.
5 Reasons Why Continuum of Care is Important:
- Individuals can enjoy a long-term stay
When receiving a continuum of care, individuals are able to continue living in one place and one that they desire. When multiple professionals collaborate to cover care needs, individuals can truly settle and have peace of mind knowing they will not have to move home in response to a change in care needs. Professionals are able to respond quickly, efficiently and amend care plans to reflect the evolving medical requirements; when delivering care this way, individuals are able to truly enjoy long-term care and a long-term stay in their home.
- Care evolves in line with an individual's needs
A continuum of care allows for care plans to be adjusted as and when required; plans evolve with a resident's requirements and are adjusted accordingly. Adaptable care plans cover both a change in medical needs as well as progressive care and evolve in line with an individual's needs. Should an individual's dementia care for example, begin with requiring day-to-day support with personal care, and evolve into eventually needing around-the-clock care for both wellbeing and medical needs, a continuum of care supports this and ensures care is continually delivered in the same setting.
- Professionals take ownership of care
Accountability and ownership of care has the ability to not only improve doctor-patient trust, but ensure care professionals consistently deliver high-quality care. Transparent lines of communication between all professionals, combined with regular assessments and feedback ensures accountability for an individual's care.
- Relationships are built and strengthened
A continuum of care naturally presents an abundance of opportunities for all parties involved to build long-term relationships. Developing deep relationships ensures a resident’s needs are fully understood and accurate, comprehensive care is delivered.
- Individuals receive immediate responses to changes in care needs
When all care professionals are responsible within the decision-making process, the team can be more effective and efficient in determining care requirements. This collaborative way of working ensures individuals receive an immediate response to any change in care needs.
Effective execution of a continuum of care can involve the following caregivers:
- The resident
- The resident's friends/family/loved ones
- Healthcare staff, nurses and administrative staff within the care home
- The kitchen and wellbeing team within the care home
- External professionals such as GP’s, Physiotherapists, Chiropodists, Opticians, and so on
The family GP, who is traditionally the primary, coordinating caregiver, plays a central role in ensuring a continuum of care over time. Studies have shown that the most effective care is delivered when the number of caregivers included in the delivery of care is kept to a minimum.
This model of care provides a coordinated approach to care, ensuring different levels of support are considered. It ultimately has the potential to achieve better outcomes for individuals.
Continuum of Care at Struan Lodge Care Home
Struan Lodge Care Home in Edinburgh proudly provides a continuum of care; we understand the importance of this way of caring, and the advantages delivering care in this way has to all involved. This approach to care means we are best placed to tailor individual care plans. Our dedication to a continuum of care means care plans are adaptable and change in response to a resident’s medical needs. All our care services take place in a warm and loving environment and peaceful setting, designed to make everyone feel truly at home.
If you have any questions regarding our care home in Edinburgh or would like additional information regarding the continuum of care, we welcome you to get in touch with our team today.
