References
Making a difference: neurological support in the community
Abstract
Nearly 3 million people in the UK have a neurological condition; stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumour, motor neurone disease, among others – all affecting the person for the rest of their life.
The NHS provides treatment at the onset of a condition but after that, there is a huge need for ongoing support. Research shows that those who are supported and know more about their condition are less likely to have to call on further in-hospital and GP care. There is enormous scope for improving the quality of life for those with neurological conditions. The right support—therapeutic and social—makes all the difference.
The book, which this article is based on, shows how those with neurological conditions benefit from integrated ongoing support provided in the local community and self-help, and how lives can be improved. It explains good practice and encouraging methods in the support and treatment of those with life changing conditions.
The recently published book titled Integrated ongoing neurological support in the community–making a difference, details how the lives of those who suffer neurological conditions, and their carers, can be greatly improved. A vital element to such rehabilitation is the continued, coordinated multidisciplinary care in the community (Kinnear et al, 2023).
In a large part of the book, 17 individuals with neurological conditions and their carers describe their experiences and how they benefited from such support provided by the medical charity Integrated Neurological Services. The charity based in Twickenham operates throughout the London boroughs of Hounslow and Richmond. Other key parts cover advances in rehabilitation, how issues can be addressed, and explain best practice based on the lessons of experience. Using examples of stroke, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, this article summarises what the book has to say on:
It is important that the patient is diagnosed and assessed as early as possible. Early warning signs are often missed but knowledge of early signs and symptoms will support the person to understand what is going on and make informed choices about their lifestyle.
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