Understanding the challenges faced by families living with MND

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a life-changing illness. With the progression of the condition, you or your loved one may find everyday tasks more difficult to manage. At Bluebird Care, we are here to provide extra support, both medical and emotional, to ensure your loved one can maintain their quality of life.

Our dedicated team of compassionate and highly trained carers are on-hand to provide a wide range of care and support. We create a personalised care and support plan to help individuals achieve their specific goals. We talk to customers about what is important in their life and their personal needs and preferences to ensure they get the very best out of our care.

Motor Neurone Disease Care at Home

At Bluebird Care, we are specialists in caring for someone with motor neurone disease. Our devoted carers work alongside customers’ doctors and local healthcare professionals to ensure the care they provide to people with motor neurone disease is of the highest level.

Our dedicated staff team are fully trained to provide a wide range of care and support including:

• 24-hour care service to give carers a short-term break or live-in care on a longer term basis so that the individual doesn’t need to move to a care home.
• Help with practical tasks such as housework, shopping, and laundry.
• Assistance with taking medicines and/or collecting prescriptions.
• Preparing nutritious meals and providing the support needed to eat and drink well.
• A good morning start to the day, with help to wash, dress and eat breakfast.
• Support to be involved in activities that are important to the individual, such as seeing friends and family, or going for a walk.
  Get in touch today to find out more about how we can help you and your family with motor neurone disease home care services.

What is Motor Neurone Disease?

Motor neurone disease is an uncommon disease that affects nerves, known as motor neurons. These cells convey messages from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles. When these cells become damaged, the messages cannot get through, which leads to gradual loss of motor skills, weakness and muscle wasting.

According to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, 5000 adults are affected by the disease at any one risk. It can affect adults of any age but is more likely to affect people over 50.

What are the Symptoms of Motor Neurone Disease?

Motor neurone disease affects everyone differently, and not everyone has all the symptoms. MND is a progressive life-threatening illness that cannot be stopped or reversed, however with proper therapies, medication and equipment, symptoms can be managed.

Early symptoms of MND can include:

• Stiff joints
• Muscle cramps and spasms
• Muscle weakness in arms and legs
• Slurred speech
• Weight loss
• Swallowing problems
• Breathing problems
• Emotional lability (e.g. laughing when feeling sad)

Treatment of Motor Neurone Disease

There is no known cure for MND, and caring for someone with the condition can be stressful. But the right treatment and support can alleviate symptoms and keep you or your loved one comfortable.

Our high-quality home care services aim to provide our customers with the best care and support so that they can enjoy their life as much as possible without the added stress and expense of moving into a care home.

For the latest information and advice about MND and support networks visit the MND Association.