Specialist Care

Finding out that you or a loved one is suffering from Huntington’s disease (HD) is a huge shock. You may fear that residential care is inevitable.

At Ivy Care we understand that the impact on the person and those closest to them can be devastating. Our fully trained staff are able to provide a range of high quality services to help you and your family manage the different challenges of HD without needing to move to residential care. These can include support to:

• Manage anxiety or loneliness
• Maintain general health and ease symptoms. For example, helping you to establish a regular exercise routine and to eat and drink well
• Take medicines you need and attend medical appointments to keep you as well as possible
• Do general chores around your home such as cleaning, laundry and shopping
• Help with your personal care and hygiene
• Live the end of your life with dignity

What is Huntington’s disease?

HD is an incurable, degenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects more than 6,000 people across the UK. In 97% of cases this disorder is caused by a hereditary gene.

It impairs muscle co-ordination and cognitive functioning. Symptoms include uncontrollable movements such as jerking or twitching, difficulties with feeding and behaviour, communication problems, depression and anxiety, disorientation and poor concentration. People often experience mood swings, being excited one moment and then apathetic or aggressive the next. This puts considerable strain on the family, especially as the person with HD may also experience a lack of empathy and the inability to recognise the needs of other family members.

Support to stay well

Ivy Care provides essential support so you and your family are able to manage the symptoms of HD and live as full a life as possible in your own home as oppose to  residential care.

Each person and their family will have a different experience of HD, so we agree a unique care plan that gives you the care and support you need, when and how you want it. We find out what is important to you and your specific goals, whether this is getting back into work, losing weight or maintaining social contacts, so that we support you to live the life that you choose.

Symptoms change over time so we will regularly talk to you to about any changes that you may need to your care and support plan. If your preference is home care and not residential care, then we are here to help.

You can find out more about HD at the Huntington’s Disease Association and on the NHS website.