We understand that individuals living with a long-term conditions will have their health and well-being affected. and know how difficult life can be at times. Complex conditions are increasingly common for older people, with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The impact of these conditions can vary considerably, as they affect people differently.
At Prestige Nursing & Care we believe that those living with any condition should be able to live a fulfilled and healthy life with the right support in place, tailored to their individual needs. As an established provider we have been supporting individuals who require condition-led care to have an improved quality of life in their own homes and communities for over 75 years.
There is a lot of support available for families of individuals living with such conditions through a range of societies, associations and charities.
DEMENTIA
Over 850,000 people are living with dementia in the UK and this is set to rise to over one million in the next five years. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a condition that affects the brain where nerve cells (neurones) in the brain are damaged and unable to communicate with each other. Messages are not able to be transmitted effectively which prevents the body from functioning normally.
There are over 200 different types of dementia, but the most common forms are Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy bodies dementia, vascular dementia and mixed dementia. Whilst dementia is most common in older people, people can be diagnosed with early onset dementia or with young person’s dementia in their 40s and 50s.
More information is available through Dementia UK which have a phone line always answered by Admiral nurses and plenty of online resources. Call them free on 0800 888 6678.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, speech, energy, bladder, eyes and bowels. The disease affects different people in different ways with symptoms and progression varying from person to person.
Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity in the UK helping people with Parkinson’s. They provide people with advice to manage the symptoms and can also signpost you to local community services for support. These services enable you to talk to others in the same situation as yourself. Contact their helpline on 0808 800 0303.
STROKE
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and this can have unreversible effects depending upon the intensity of the stroke and the part of the brain that is affected. Whilst strokes more commonly affect older people, anyone can have a stroke. Pre-existing medical conditions and lifestyle factors like drinking, smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes are known to increase the risk.
Having a stroke can have a significant impact on not just the person who has had the stroke, but their family as often ability to communicate is impacted causing frustration.
The Stroke Association is the leading charity in the UK, and you can contact their helpline on 0303 3033 100. They provide information and advice about local services, rehabilitation and treatment, coping with emotions and how to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of having another stroke.
CANCER
Sadly, one in two people will develop a form of the 200 types of cancer in their lifetime. Living with cancer and undergoing treatments may lead to feelings of loss, depression and anxiety all of which impact our overall well-being.
Macmillan Cancer Support is the leading cancer charity in the UK that offer advice about managing symptoms effectively, cancer treatments that are available and support for people to cope with living with cancer, in particular the emotional and practical issues. Similarly, to Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, Macmillan provides Macmillan Nurses. They offer community support local to you, so you do not feel alone on your cancer journey and you get the help when you need it. To contact their support line, call 0808 808 00 00.
DIABETES
There are 3.5 million people in the UK with a diagnosis of diabetes. Diabetes UK estimates another 549,000 people are living with the condition but without a diagnosis. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 – type 2 is the most common affecting 90% of those diagnosed. It is a condition that causes too much sugar to be produced in the bloodstream, which can be dangerous when untreated. Symptoms include needing to frequently urinate and feelings of tiredness.
Information, advice and support are available from Diabetes UK To talk to someone about your diabetes, you can call them on 0345 123 2399.
CONTINENCE ISSUES
Many people get continence issues as they age. When a person is unable to store urine in the usual way it can cause accidents referred to as incontinence. It is always worth contacting your GP to check if any other health conditions are causing incontinence, as these may be able to be treated. Equally, incontinence could be a symptom of another condition, which your GP can advise you on.
Continence problems can be improved or managed through exercise, training and the use of continence aids. Your GP can refer you to a continence advisor for this type of advice and support.
The charity that supports those with continence issues in Bladder and Bowel UK. Contact their medical helpline on 0161 607 8219. They will provide support and guidance as to which products may also help you.
ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints causing discomfort, pain and issues with mobility. Whilst arthritis is more common in older people it can also affect younger people and gets gradually worse over time. Versus Arthritis is a charity that helps and supports those with the condition. If you call them, they can provide advice and guidance on a range of treatments to manage pain and cope with the condition. Call their helpline on 0800 5200 520.
We are here to take your call and will provide impartial support and guidance. Contact our friendly care experts today on 0808 239 1525 to discuss your home care needs.
