The basic principles to guide any of our interventions
we as health caregivers undertake are as follows
In Huntington's Disease there are cognitive changes and
impairments. Overall this affects how a person with Huntington's Disease attends to their activities of daily living and how
they respond to their personal environment.
The main importance for you as a caregiver is to help keep
your client safe in all aspects, but this does not mean limiting their pleasures, it is important to be accommodating and
flexible to help them stay safe from harming themselves.
As Huntington's Disease is also a movement disorder there becomes
changes in mobility that begins that begins in early and middle stages of the illness and continues into late stages.
There is a higher risk of aspiration of food particles
as inhalation may occur when the vocal cords are open and the airway is exposed. This makes it important for the client not
to be engaged in conversation during a meal which would greatly increase the chances of aspiration. |
Oral and dental care are important with persons with Huntington's
Disease and as the disease progresses it becomes more of an issue. Dental checkups are important for everyone but with persons
with Huntington's Disease they should have dental checkups and cleanings done every three months.
Due to chorea movements, dystonia and problems with unsteady
gait, there needs to be special attention given to the set up of the bathroom.
As with all activities of daily living it is important not
to do everything for a person with Huntington's Disease, this is even the case with dressing. Always allow them to do as much
as possible on their own, no matter how minimal it is. By allowing them to do even a minimal task, such as pulling their shirt
over their head, allows and helps them feel some independence.
Even with
some involuntary movements present, the client becomes unable to change their own position, maybe more rigid and become at
a higher risk of developing contractures. |
