Living With a Neurological Condition

At CareMatch, we understand neurological conditions can vary hugely in their symptoms and they can affect every sufferer differently. These conditions can make the simplest of tasks feel monumental, and massively affect a Care Receiver’s life and the lives of the people around them. The term neurological condition covers a wide range of different diagnoses, and our trained Carer Members have experience in looking after individuals with a variety of different conditions including Huntington’s disease, Motor Neurone disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and strokes. We understand that the help our Carer Members offer must be tailored specifically to a Care Receiver’s needs, and whether the condition is sudden and onset (eg. brain injury), intermittent and unpredictable (eg. epilepsy), progressive (eg. Motor Neurone disease) or stable (eg. cerebral palsy), we are able to offer specialised help and support.

Many individuals with a neurological condition feel more comfortable receiving care at home so that they’re not separated from family, friends and their familiar surroundings. Adapting to life with a neurological condition can be extremely challenging, especially if it deteriorates over time and Care Receivers gradually lose the ability to do things for themselves. Losing this element of independence can have a real impact on a Care Receiver’s mental health.

At CareMatch, we know that Care Receivers with neurological conditions may have more complex needs and require assistance not only with their movement but also their behaviour and mental health. In some instances, the right rehabilitation and assistance can improve a neurological condition and help Care Receivers gain back their independence. For those with a neurological condition that worsens over time, our highly-skilled Carer Members can help with easing physical symptoms, and offer high quality care at home, including end of life care where necessary, so that the Care Receiver experiences the most comfortable care journey possible. If the care receiver is a young person, we aim to bring care in a way that assists them with the transition to living as independently as possible, and nurtures them to embrace life in whatever ways they can.

If you are the regular care giver for someone with a neurological condition, we understand that it is easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed and alone. At CareMatch, our team of experienced Carer Members are on hand to offer help and support, so that you don’t feel you are caring for someone by yourself, and the Care Receiver can have the best care journey possible.

What does neurological care include?

It totally depends on a client’s condition and their symptoms. These are some of the things that our highly experienced Carer Members can help with.

• Help with administering medication if necessary
• Low-support medical care
• Personal care, such as help with getting dressed, going to the toilet, having a bath or eating a meal (especially if a Care Receiver has difficulty swallowing)
• Mobility support - At CareMatch, we strive to enable our Care Receiver’s to live as independently as possible, so this might include encouragement with physical activities they are capable of (such as going for a walk with a stick or in their wheelchair), depending on their condition, or to take up new hobbies that they are able to do despite their condition
• Mental support - Living with a neurological condition can take its toll on a Care Receiver’s mental health, so our Carer Members are on hand to help with mood swings, changes in behaviour and to assist our Care Receivers in effectively expressing themselves and to remember things where possible
• Help with household tasks, such as the laundry, cooking meals or walking the dog
• Running essential errands, for example collecting your medication or doing a food shop
• Companionship - Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference. It's important for Care Receivers with neurological conditions to have a friendly face around the house who is there for a cup of tea and a chat as well as to offer more physical support
• Overnight Care - If Care Receivers with a neurological condition wake up in the night, they can be very confused and anxious when they do and unable to get out of bed on their own. Our Carer Members are on hand to offer help and reassurance during the night to ensure a Care Receiver’s safety and alleviate any anxieties or discomfort
• Respite Care - If you are a Care Receiver’s regular care giver, and you need some extra support or some time off, our team of Carer Members can step in and help and give you the peace of mind knowing that your Care Receiver is receiving the high quality of care they are used to

Our specialist Carer Members have the necessary training and experience in working with Care Receivers with neurological conditions to ensure a high-quality care service that is tailored to them and their needs specifically. At CareMatch, we know that every moment counts, and we strive to enable our Care Receivers to live as independently as possible, at home for as long as they can.