Motor Neurone Disease (MND) care

Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a rare condition which describes a group of diseases that affect the nerves in the brain and spinal cord called motor neurones. When messages from these nerves gradually stop reaching the muscles, they begin to weaken, stiffen and waste. This can result in many activities becoming increasingly difficult such as gripping, walking, speaking, swallowing and breathing.

As a condition, MND affects everyone differently and as it stands it cannot be stopped or reversed. However, therapies, equipment and medication can help people manage symptoms and achieve the best possible level of well-being. Some examples of symptoms highlighted by the MND Association include:

• Muscle weakness – loss of muscle mass (wasting), and movement and mobility problems
• Muscle cramps and spasms – including rippling sensations (known as fasciculation)
• Stiff joints – possibly limiting range of movement
• Pain or discomfort – caused by other symptoms
• Speech and communication problems – speaking, gestures and showing expressions
• Swallowing difficulties – affecting eating and drinking
• Saliva problems – where thin saliva pools in the mouth or saliva becomes thick and sticky
• Weakened coughing – making it harder to clear the throat
• Breathing problems – can lead to breathlessness and fatigue
• Emotional lability – with inappropriate emotional responses, such as laughing when feeling sad
• Changes to thinking and behaviour – for about half of those diagnosed with MND

Here at Carefound Home Care we have experience of supporting clients living with MND to be able to cope with the condition at home, surrounded by the things and people you love. This includes working closely with you and your family to not only take into account your interests and wishes based on the treatment you are currently receiving, but also working closely with you and other medical professionals as the condition progresses.

Prior to providing specialist MND care we will work with you to undertake a detailed assessment of your care needs and agree a care plan with you and your family. This will cover daily activities, working with local physiotherapists to ensure you are receiving the right treatment for muscle cramps and stiffness, managing medications such as riluzole, or even supporting clients for whom the condition is more advanced and who require a breathing mask or a feeding tube (called a gastrostomy).

Our care management team is here to discuss your care needs with you so if you would like to consider your options please to not hesitate to contact us today.