Holistic care
Also known as: Holistic nursing care, Whole-person care
Holistic care is an approach that considers a person’s life as a whole — addressing physical health, mental and emotional wellbeing, and spiritual and social needs in equal measure — rather than focusing only on physical symptoms.
Holistic care is a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the body but also the mind and spirit, ensuring that people receive care that supports their entire being. It treats a person’s life as a whole rather than focusing solely on physical symptoms, integrating physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing into one coordinated approach to support.
The dimensions of holistic care
Holistic care recognises that wellbeing has several interconnected dimensions, and that neglecting one can undermine the others:
- Physical health — managing acute and chronic conditions, mobility, nutrition and comfort.
- Mental and emotional wellbeing — supporting mental health, resilience and emotional support.
- Spiritual needs — respecting a person’s beliefs, faith and sense of meaning.
- Social wellbeing — relationships, community connection and reducing isolation.
Why holistic care matters
By addressing the whole person rather than isolated symptoms, holistic care improves quality of life, patient satisfaction and emotional resilience. It is particularly valuable in care homes and palliative care, where emotional and spiritual support are as important as physical treatment. Holistic care is a foundation of person-centred, individualised support that is tailored to each person’s needs and preferences.
Frequently asked questions
What is holistic care?
Holistic care is an approach in healthcare and social care that considers a person’s life as a whole — addressing mental and physical health, spiritual care and emotional wellbeing in equal measure — rather than focusing solely on physical symptoms.
What are the dimensions of holistic care?
Holistic care typically addresses physical health, mental and emotional wellbeing, spiritual needs, and social wellbeing, recognising that these dimensions are interconnected.
How is holistic care different from person-centred care?
Holistic care describes the breadth of needs considered (body, mind, spirit and social life), while person-centred care describes putting the individual’s preferences and choices at the centre. In practice the two work together: good person-centred care is usually holistic.
Related articles
Navigating the Latest CQC Regulatory Updates: Key Compliance Strategies for Care Providers
Stay ahead of the curve with our guide to the latest CQC regulatory updates. Explore practical strategies to ensure compliance and deliver high-quality care services.
ComplianceNavigating the Latest CQC Regulations: Key Updates for UK Care Providers
Discover the latest updates to CQC regulations and what UK care providers need to know to ensure compliance and deliver quality care.
Quality AssuranceSupported Living Quality Assurance: Audit Framework and Best Practices
How to implement effective quality assurance in supported living services. Covers person-centred auditing, outcome measurement, and CQC compliance.
Related guides
Related concepts
Sources
- Nursing and Midwifery Council — holistic care
- The Importance of Holistic Care
Evidence this standard with MyCareAudit
Digital audits, action tracking and inspection-ready reports that help you demonstrate holistic care and every other CQC and Ofsted expectation.