What is meant by 'holistic care'?

Holistic care refers to a comprehensive approach that considers the whole person, taking into account not only their physical health but also their emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. This approach recognizes that individuals are multi-faceted beings whose health and well-being are influenced by a range of factors, including their environment, relationships, and life experiences.

By focusing on the entirety of a person's experience, holistic care aims to promote overall well-being rather than just treating specific symptoms or conditions. This can include integrating various health care practices, therapies, and supports that address the broader aspects of a person's life, encouraging a more complete and fulfilling path to health.

In this context, a singular focus on physical health or limiting care to mental health aspects would disregard important elements that contribute to a person's overall quality of life. Similarly, only addressing medical conditions ignores the necessary context of what affects those conditions and the individual’s life as a whole. Therefore, the comprehensive nature of holistic care is essential in providing effective support and treatment for individuals.