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Friedreich’s ataxia care at home
Expert Friedreich’s ataxia care at home from trusted Care Professionals who can help provide the bespoke support needed for anyone living with this challenging condition.
What is Friedreich’s Ataxia care?
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a condition affecting coordination, balance and speech that is thought to impact 1 in 40,000 people around the world. FA causes physical challenges such as mobility issues, trouble swallowing and impaired eyesight, so at-home care can help to maintain the safety and comfort of older adults with this condition. This might include:
- Mobility assistance and personal care for those in a wheelchair
- Emotional support for the mental difficulties of living with FA
- Specialist care to manage common additional needs like diabetes
- Support getting to medical check-ups
- Support at home in case of falls
FA is progressive in nature, so home care will eventually be needed to make daily life less stressful, and maintain quality of life.
Why is Friedreich’s Ataxia care at home helpful for older adults?
Friedreich’s ataxia can cause many physical and emotional challenges that will eventually require help from a caregiver. These include:
- Balance and coordination issues that increase fall risk
- Slurred speech
- Vision issues
- Difficulty walking and eventual wheelchair use
- Scoliosis (a curved spine)
- Diabetes
- Dysphagia (trouble swallowing)
- Heart issues
- Peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation in hands and feet)
There is no cure for Friedreich’s ataxia, so at-home care is designed to help manage symptoms and maintain comfort. Care might involve things like applying braces to limbs, facilitating physical therapy or speech therapy appointments, managing co-occurring conditions like diabetes, or post-operative care after surgery to correct skeletal problems.
Do I need Friedreich’s Ataxia care?
People with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) need to see a neurologist around once a year, and will have daily care needs to maintain their preferred routines. While some can manage alone for a time, many people with FA eventually develop scoliosis or foot problems, so help may be necessary to safely move around the home.
In addition, an estimated 91% of people with FA experience abnormal eye movements, 30% develop diabetes, and 75% experience heart problems like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Symptoms should be monitored by a professional who understands potential complications and can help offer long-term support.
If you need help determining whether you or a loved one needs Friedreich’s ataxia care, your GP or a Care Needs Assessment could advise.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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Get in touch How to get started arranging Friedreich’s Ataxia care
At-home care may be the next step for those beginning to struggle while living with Friedreich’s ataxia. Most people will require a wheelchair on average 10 years after being diagnosed, so the earlier you begin your care journey, the easier it may be to integrate this into your life.
Our Care Professionals offer visiting care or live-in care depending on your requirements, and can continue to adapt as your condition develops. We always take time to learn what you struggle with most, and our experienced Care Professionals understand the emotional toll that FA can take, as well as the subsequent need for companionship and a listening ear to support mental health. With our help, you can continue to live independently and confidently at home.
Why Home Instead?
Our Care Professionals are highly skilled and trained to help with the unique combination of needs experienced by people with Friedreich’s ataxia; mobility support, help with dysphagia struggles, monitoring associated diabetes, support with communication, and more.
We also work hard to pair you with a Care Professional who complements your personality and interests, so you always enjoy the time you have with your caregiver.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). With our experienced Care Professionals, you can be sure you are bringing only the best care into your home, and someone who understands exactly what you need and how you like things done.
Advice and Support
FAQs
- How can home care support individuals with Friedreich’s Ataxia?
Our Care Professionals can assist with mobility challenges, daily activities, and personal care. They also provide emotional support and help manage symptoms like muscle weakness, coordination issues, and fatigue.
- Can home care help with mobility and fall prevention?
Yes, Care Professionals work to ensure a safe home environment by removing hazards, assisting with mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs, and providing physical support to prevent falls and injuries.
- How does home care assist with medical needs for Friedreich’s Ataxia?
Care Professionals can help to manage medications, monitor for complications like heart issues or diabetes, and coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure the care plan is followed effectively.
- What lifestyle support can home care provide for individuals with Friedreich’s Ataxia?
Care Professionals can assist with meal preparation, ensuring a nutritious diet, and encourage light, adaptive exercises to maintain strength. They also help with communication tools if speech difficulties arise.
- How does home care provide emotional and social support?
Living with Friedreich’s Ataxia can be isolating. Our Care Professionals offer companionship, encourage social interaction, and provide reassurance to help individuals and their families cope with the condition.
Diane Williams , Head of Quality & Standards
I have worked with Home Instead since July 2016 as a member of the Quality Team, taking the role of Head of Quality & Standards in 2020.
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.