At Carefound Home Care we understand the physical and emotional challenges faced by families living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). It may be that somebody is struggling with mobility, or speech can be affected by the MND condition, or swallowing and eating may be becoming harder.
We employ professional carers who receive specialist training in supporting clients living with MND in association with the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. They support families with anything from physical, domestic and emotional support, through to communicating with GPs and other medical professionals. Our support is available as visiting hourly care or full-time live-in care.
“As always your service is excellent and I am extremely satisfied with the services and the friendly staff (almost family)”
Miss F, Harrogate
What is Motor Neurone Disease (MND)?
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
MND care from Carefound Home Care
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.
Case Study: Supporting Rose to live at home with Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
The client
There are many challenges and changes that come with being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and it can feel overwhelming. However, the right one-to-one care can make a huge difference to the experience of somebody living with MND.
Rose is 80 years old and lives in her own home. She was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2016 following a series of chest infections. She requires additional support with her mobility and personal care. She also receives nutritional help from the local District Nursing Team with PEG (tube) feeding due to swallowing difficulties.
Our home care service
Raye is an hourly carer at Carefound Home Care and supports Rose at home.
“As Rose’s carer, my role is to help maintain the quality of her life in her own home. The training and learning I have carried out is key to this, which has provided me with a knowledge and understanding of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and how to best manage its physical, mental and emotional effects. This has included direct training from our local representatives of the MND Association and a specialist introductory course developed by the MND Association and The University of Northampton.”
“At Carefound Home Care we also recognise the paramount importance of continuity of care. It is this that has enabled me to establish and build a rapport with Rose, her family and other key professionals. Continuity also enables us to monitor the outcomes of our care. We can then regularly review Rose’s personalised Care Plan and adapt it to respond to changing needs.”
“The most fulfilling and satisfying aspect of looking after Rose is knowing that I am a cog in a big wheel that is assisting her to live in her own home with this disease. It means so much to her. I was recently delighted to celebrate Rose’s 80th Birthday with her and we all wish her a wonderful 80th year.”
The outcomes
Rose commented:
“I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) 18 months ago and I struggle to wash and dress myself. Carefound Home Care have helped me tremendously as they come and shower and dress me. Raye is my carer and we have a very good relationship, I look forward to her coming as she also cheers me up and we have a giggle. I was 80 recently and Raye came to my birthday party which was lovely of her. Thank you to Raye and all the staff at Carefound Home Care for their wonderful service.”
Our home care services
Contact us about your home care needs
Contact our friendly team to talk about your home care needs.