April is World Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Week, which falls on April 22nd-28th. To raise awareness, we are very pleased to be able to share some information on these important conditions, and the way Oxford Aunts can provide enhanced support.
Oxford Aunts is very lucky to be able to call on the support of in-house experts when providing care to clients living with Parkinson’s and MS. Jackie Cooper and Katrina Burns are two of those experts, and have shared some information below from their perspective as occupational therapists.
As with all neurological conditions, each individual’s experience varies and follows a different path. However, as both conditions are degenerative there will come a time when you or your loved one may experience a decline in your ability to manage day-to-day tasks.
At Oxford Aunts our Enhanced Care Service Team is able to provide expertise and specialist knowledge to support you, your family and our carers as these conditions start having a greater impact.
Mobility and Falls Prevention
One of the common challenges for client’s with these conditions is the impact it can have on their mobility and the increased risk of falls. You or your loved one may experience a change in balance and coordination, and may have times where you have less control over the way your body moves or responds. For this, our Occupational Therapist (OT) is able to provide advice and support on strategies to help reduce the risk of falls and to promote safer mobility. There are a wide range of walking and transfer aids that may be helpful and our OT can advise on these. They will also be able to advise on any changes to the environment that might be required to help maintain independence and safety.
Activities for Daily Living
As you or your loved ones condition changes you may face challenges with feeding yourself. As OTs, we can also give you advice on cutlery and cups that may help to minimise spillages related to tremor or reduced coordination, for example:
- Kettle tipper
- Hand steady mug
- Extra slide on handle
- Large handled cutlery for a better grip
Memory and Mood
Some individuals can experience changes in their mood and memory associated with their condition. Our Enhanced Care Service Team is able to offer support and advice to you, your family and our carers in order to help them better manage the changes in your health and well-being. They can advise and help signpost to NHS colleagues and community resources if required.
Activities and Exercise
Remaining active and engaged in social activities plays an important role in managing neurological conditions. The Enhanced Care Service Team can support you with adapting activities to meet your changing needs, help with advice on exercises and accessing the community and they can sign post to services that may be able to support with keeping active and healthy.
Interested in hearing more about our enhanced services?
To arrange a free home care assessment, please get in touch by calling us on 01865 519 044.
