Huntington’s Disease Training in Somerset
Have you ever heard of Huntington’s disease? Huntington’s disease is a neurological disease, a disease of the brain.
We were very lucky to have been able to welcome Shirley Bignell from the Huntington’s Disease Association (HDA) to our office to deliver some training to Twelve of our carers who care and support, or will be supporting, one of our clients who suffers from this disease.
Shirley shared what Huntington’s disease was and how it affects the person as well as their families.
They learnt about early tell tale symptoms, risks and concerns, such as weight loss, risks of choking, Speech difficulties, falls and other difficulties and personality changes.
This type of training is essential as it allows us to support our client in a specialised way, due to her specific needs. Not only are we enabled to adapt to her needs as they develop but we are aware of why her needs have changed and why she may not respond in the way we expect.
Our carer’s job to see through the disguise of Huntington’s disease and be creative in the care, and support they give. They have to stimulate their client with social interaction, age appropriate activities and maintain their abilities and general well being at every call. As a company, we feel that our carers offer our client the best level of care and support.
What is Huntington’s disease?
Huntington’s disease, which is often called HD, is a hereditary disorder of the central nervous system.
It used to be known as Huntington’s chorea or HC.
Huntington’s disease usually develops in adulthood and can cause a very wide range of symptoms.
The disease affects both men and women.
Who are the HDA?
The Huntington’s disease Association exists to support people affected by the disease and to provide information and advice to professionals whose task it is to support Huntington’s disease families. The HDA is financed through the generosity of trusts, foundations, and the statutory and corporate sectors, branches of the HDA, members, and friends.
Specialist HD Advisory Service
These consist of teams of Specialist HD Advisers who:
- provide information and advice to families
- answer crises calls and liaise with other professional service providers
- promote and develop a full range of local services
- Identify suitable respite and residential care facilities
- liaise with local branches and self-help groups
- give talks and organise seminars and training days
- provide speakers for training sessions
- provide workshops for service providers and users such as health, social services, nursing homes, and residential care staff teams
If you would like to read more about Huntington’s disease, please visit https://www.hda.org.uk/. Their site is full of information, research, and guidance.
02.08.2017