The MND journey varies for every individual diagnosed and impacts many different aspects of everyday life. This is why it is important to take good care of yourself.
The multidisciplinary care team will help you live well and as long as possible by showing you tips and tricks to help you manage and minimise everyday impacts.
Physical needs:
- Moving about
- Energy
- Breathing
- Sleep
- Maintaining body warmth
- Pain, stiffness and cramps
- Neck strength
- Hand and arm function
Speak to your advisor and multidisciplinary care team about changes to your physical needs. They will be able to advise you on strategies and equipment that will help minimize the impact of these changes.
Communication:
- Speech
- Facial expressions
- Hand gestures
- Body language
- Writing
- Typing
Your Occupational Therapist, MND Advisor and speech therapist will have useful strategies and suggestions and can recommend assistive technology to help with communication.
Personal care:
- Going to the toilet
- Bathing
- Washing your hair
- Getting dressed and undressed
Your MND Advisor and your Occupational Therapist will have helpful strategies and suggestions for managing these tasks independently and to support those who are caring for you.
Emotional needs:
- Feelings of anxiety and depression
- Worrying
- Uncontrolled crying or laughing
- Physical intimacy
Your Advisor, GP or neurologist will be able to assist with changes to your emotional needs. MNDAWA can provide access to counselling sessions free of charge.
Eating and drinking:
- Cooking
- Using crockery and cutlery
- Holding a cup or glass
- Chewing and swallowing
- Diet and weight
Occupational therapists, speech pathologists and dieticians will be able to assist with strategies, suggestions and specialized equipment to assist with any changes to eating and drinking.
Home comfort:
- Chairs
- Beds
- Working light switches, appliances and computers
Your occupational therapist or other allied health professionals can assist with tips and strategies to assist with being comfortable at home. MNDAWA has a wide range of equipment available to people with MND.