What are complex needs?
People with complex needs have multiple health and social care needs requiring services and support from several care providers across different sectors.
- An older adult with diabetes living on a low income and transitioning from independent living to long-term care has complex needs.
- A child with a physical disability and life-threatening illness who requires a team of interdisciplinary practitioners and multiple hospital stays has complex needs.
- An adult living in precarious housing, with an acquired brain injury and substance use disorder has complex needs.
Many people have complex needs—but they often lack the right access to essential resources and services. This can increase the negative effects of their chronic conditions and challenging circumstances.
Supporting People with Complex Needs Training
To promote a shared understanding of some of the systemic and individual challenges that people with complex needs face, Toward Common Ground—in collaboration with community partners—developed Supporting People with Complex Needs Training. The online modules provide foundational information for people working in health and social services to better understand and support people with complex needs.