Living with Huntington’s Disease

At CareMatch, we understand that Huntington’s disease affects every sufferer differently, and the symptoms can present themselves in people of all ages. The disease can cause problems with behaviour, movement and communication but it can also have a huge impact on a person’s mental health. This massively affects a Care Receiver’s life and the lives of the people around them. Our trained Carer Members have specialist experience in looking after patients with Huntington’s disease. We understand that the help our Carer Members provide must be tailored specifically to a Care Receiver’s needs, and we are able to offer specialised help and support as a Care Receiver’s condition progresses.

Many patients with Huntington’s feel more comfortable receiving care at home so that they’re not separated from family, friends and their familiar surroundings. Adapting to life with Huntington’s can be extremely challenging, particularly as 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 wellbeing. At CareMatch, we know that Care Receivers with Huntington’s may have more complex needs and require extra patience and assistance not only with their movement but also their behaviour and mental health. It can be hugely beneficial to Care Receivers with Huntington’s to have a familiar face around the house, who is there to provide reassurance and companionship as well as physical care. 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 you are the regular care giver for someone with Huntington’s disease, 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 Huntington’s care include?

It totally depends on a client’s 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 and physical assistance
• Mental support - Living with a Huntington’s can take its toll on a Care Receiver’s mental health and one of the primary symptoms can be depression, 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 Huntington’s disease 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.