Individual care for individual people
Huntington's Disease
The complex and highly demanding needs of a patient with Huntington's Disease present huge challenges to families and professional services, and place significant pressure on both financial and human resources.
The combined effects of physical disability, psychiatric illness and dementia often lead to placement breakdown, disruption to the families and of course, immense distress to the sufferer, made worse as the condition deteriorates. The strong multidisciplinary teams at each Priory Grange provide the medical and nursing care which is so essential, especially when the patient's condition becomes more challenging.
Priory Grange services
Our Priory Grange services provide respite care as well as a home and specialist medical and nursing care for adults with enduring mental and physical illness such as Huntington's Disease. Following assessment we devise individualised programmes for people whatever the stage of Huntington's Disease.
Patient care
We foster a therapeutic approach to the care and treatment of our patients with empowerment being a key aspect of our philosophy. We work to enhance their dignity and self-esteem and aim to optimise each individual patient's quality of life.
Therapeutic programmes
Our clinical programmes are reviewed regularly and take into account the psychological, physical, social, spiritual and therapeutic needs of the individual. High quality care is delivered through an interdisciplinary team approach, led by our consultant psychiatrists.
Priory Grange hospitals provide:
- A range of highly qualified staff with experience of nursing people with Huntington's Disease
- On-going staff training programme in association with the HDA
- Flexible comprehensive care plans responsive to individual need
- Nursing intervention for all levels of dependency
- Management of the challenging behaviour which can be associated with Huntington's Disease
- Resident, family and commissioning team involvement
- On-going assessment to monitor and respond to changing needs and levels of functioning
- Emergency and respite admissions
For more information or to discuss a referral, call or email the Hospital Director
The Priory Grange Bristol
Telephone: 0117 952 7500
grangebristol@priorygroup.com
The Priory Grange Heathfield
Telephone: 01435 864 545
grange@priorygroup.com
The Priory Grange Hemel Hempstead
Telephone: 01442 255 371
grangehemel@priorygroup.com
The Priory Grange Potters Bar
Telephone: 01707 858 585
grangepottersbar@priorygroup.com
The Priory Grange St Neots
Telephone: 01480 210 210
grangestneots@priorygroup.com
The Priory Grange Ticehurst House
Telephone: 01580 200 391
grangeticehurst@priorygroup.com
Case study:
Robert (name changed to maintain confidentiality) was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease seven years ago. He was treated by his local mental health team until February 2008 when he was admitted informally to the Priory Grange St Neots. He was thought to be in the late stages of the disease.
From the time of his admission, he isolated himself in his bedroom with little or no communication with staff or fellow patients. He had lost contact with his family although his brother remained interested in his care. Robert refused virtually all food choosing to have tea and toast only, or in some cases only water, and he would only accept it from some staff. He was verbally aggressive, though not violent, when his routine was broken. He was also thought to be actively and acutely depressed, but he refused medication.
His physical and mental condition deteriorated due to his poor diet and lack of treatment. Following discussion within the multidisciplinary team it was felt that a radical approach to his treatment was required. His community RMO, social worker and brother were involved and a decision was made to treat Robert with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Robert objected to this treatment and was therefore sectioned under the Mental Health Act (1983). He was transferred to the local general hospital where his physical health was managed through intravenous infusion, while the arrangements were made for, and through the course of the ECT.
Robert was soon mobilising and eating normally. His communication improved and he was able to sit in the lounge and dining room with fellow patients. He was also able to advocate his needs. Community access programmes have now been put in place, and active steps are being made to re-establish family contact and support. His finances have also been sorted out.
Robert has expressed his appreciation for the improvement in his quality of life although the outlook for his condition remains poor. He said, "I am just happy I do not have to be in bed and that world of darkness all day and night."
Consultant psychiatrist, Brian Murray, who managed Robert's care prior to his admission to Priory said, in a letter dated 12th November 2008, he was "impressed with his (Robert's) recovery." He offered his congratulations on what he thought was a "brave decision to give ECT."
Although Robert remains ill with what is a debilitating condition, his quality of life has been significantly improved. His mental health section has been discharged as he is willing to accept treatment for his depression informally. He has recently identified an interest in returning to live in the community and this is being explored with his community team.