What Is 2:1 Care? A Guide to Two-to-One Support at Home
For some people with complex care needs, having one support worker available may not provide the level of support they need to stay safe, comfortable and independent at home.
This is where 2:1 care can play an important role.
Also known as two-to-one care or 2:1 support, this involves two trained support workers providing care at the same time. The approach is personalised around the individual's needs, routines, preferences and goals.
But what does 2:1 care actually involve, and who might benefit from this type of support?
What is 2:1 care?
2:1 care means that two support workers are available to support one person at the same time.
The level and type of support will depend on the person's individual care plan. Two support workers may be needed for specific activities, certain periods of the day or throughout a wider care arrangement.
For example, someone may require two people for moving and handling, personal care or accessing the community, while other parts of their routine may require a different level of support.
The purpose of 2:1 care is to provide the right level of support while helping the person maintain as much choice, control and independence as possible.
Who might need 2:1 care?
There are many reasons why someone may benefit from two-to-one support.
2:1 care may be considered for people with:
Complex physical care needs
Significant mobility difficulties
Acquired brain injuries
Spinal injuries
Cerebral palsy
Higher-acuity care needs
Moving and handling requirements that require two people
Support needs that involve more than one task taking place at the same time
A need for additional support when accessing the community
Every person's circumstances are different. Whether 2:1 care is appropriate should be based on an individual's assessed needs, risks and care plan.
Why might someone need 2:1 care?
There are several situations where having two support workers can help provide safer and more effective care.
Moving and handling
Some people may require two trained members of staff to support them with transfers, repositioning or other moving and handling activities.
Having two people can allow these tasks to be completed in line with the person's moving and handling plan and any relevant equipment requirements.
Personal care
Some personal care routines may require two support workers depending on an individual's mobility, physical needs or level of assistance.
The additional support can help ensure care is provided safely while maintaining the person's dignity and privacy.
Supporting someone in the community
2:1 care can also make it possible for someone to take part in activities outside the home.
This could include attending appointments, visiting family and friends, going shopping, going to the gym or taking part in activities that are important to the individual.
For someone who requires a higher level of support, having two trained support workers can provide the assistance needed to participate more safely.
Managing multiple care needs
Some people have several support needs that can occur at the same time.
Two support workers can allow responsibilities to be shared appropriately, helping care to remain safe and responsive to the person's needs.
What does 2:1 care look like day to day?
There is no single model of 2:1 care.
Support should be built around the individual rather than following a standard routine.
Depending on someone's needs, 2:1 support could include:
Supporting with personal care
Moving and handling
Medication support
PEG care and other specialist support
Meal preparation
Supporting appointments
Accessing the local community
Supporting hobbies and activities
Maintaining relationships and social connections
Following personalised care and risk management plans
The aim is to provide the support someone needs while preserving their routines, preferences and independence.
Can 2:1 care support independence?
It may seem that having two support workers means someone is receiving more assistance and therefore has less independence.
In practice, the right level of support can help someone do more. For example, someone may need 2:1 support to safely leave their home, but that support could allow them to attend a social activity, visit a friend, go shopping or continue with a hobby that matters to them.
Good care considers what someone can do, as well as where they need support.
This means support workers should encourage appropriate independence and involvement in everyday decisions wherever possible.
How is 2:1 care planned?
2:1 care should form part of a person's wider care and support plan.
Before care begins, the person's needs should be understood alongside any relevant risks, clinical requirements and preferences.
This can include consideration of:
Personal care needs
Mobility and moving and handling requirements
Communication needs
Medication
Equipment
Health conditions
Behavioural or emotional support needs
Community access
Emergency arrangements
Changes in the person's condition or circumstances
Care plans should be reviewed when needs change, helping ensure that the level of support remains appropriate.
At Thriving, our care is planned around the individual and delivered alongside families, case managers and relevant healthcare professionals.
Can 2:1 care be provided 24 hours a day?
Yes, 2:1 care can form part of a 24-hour care arrangement where an individual's assessed needs require this level of support.
The exact staffing arrangement will depend on the person's care plan. Some people may require two support workers for particular activities or periods of the day, while others may require 2:1 support for longer periods.
The important thing is that staffing levels reflect the person's assessed needs and provide safe, consistent support.
Choosing a 2:1 care provider
When looking for 2:1 care, it is important to understand how a provider will meet the person's individual needs.
You may want to ask:
How will you assess the person's care needs?
How will their care plan be developed and reviewed?
What training do support workers receive?
How will you maintain continuity of care?
How are moving and handling needs managed?
How will the person's independence and preferences be supported?
What clinical oversight is available?
How will you communicate with family members, case managers and other professionals?
What happens if the person's needs change?
Finding a provider that understands complex care can make an important difference to the consistency and quality of support someone receives.
2:1 care at Thriving
At Thriving, we provide personalised complex care designed around the individual. Our support can include 2:1 care for people with higher-acuity and complex needs, with care plans developed around their routines, preferences, clinical requirements and goals
We work closely with families, case managers and healthcare professionals to provide coordinated support in the home and community.
Our approach is centred around helping people receive the right support while maintaining their independence, relationships and quality of life.
If you are exploring 2:1 care for yourself or someone you support, get in touch with Thriving to discuss their needs and find out how we may be able to help.
