As one of the largest providers of Huntington’s Disease care in the nation, we answer questions from caregivers and loved ones every day. Most commonly, people want to know about the available therapies, how to manage the most challenging symptoms, how to find support when you need it, and a clear understanding of who will lead and provide care for the best outcomes. Below we have a brief overview for you. If you have questions or want to know more, please reach out to us.
The following information is shared by the medical team as a way to provide answers to questions for Advanced Care & Specialized Therapies at the Huntington’s Disease Center in Rhinebeck, NY, with details below on therapies, symptom management, and support for caregivers.
We offer three main types of therapy:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
Manage Symptoms
Our medical team provides support for managing movement symptoms like chorea. Our team includes doctors and neurologists who specialize in movement disorders. They work together to provide the best care for your loved one. We provide both maintenance therapy to keep current abilities and restorative therapy to rebuild skills. Our team can provide special treatments like Electrical Stimulation and Diathermy for pain relief.
We provide therapy for both speech difficulties and swallowing problems. We understand how difficult and challenging movement, speech, and swallowing symptoms can be. With assisted care, your loved one can live more comfortably with the support they need.
For symptoms related to depression and aggressive, we take a team approach by:
- Holding meetings with staff, families, doctors, and psychiatrists
- Finding the causes of symptoms to improve quality of life
- Suggesting activities to help engage
- Recommending helpful medications when needed
- Providing psychology and social work services
Prevent Falls
Our Huntington’s Disease Center was built with safety as a priority. Our facility has special padding on floors throughout our Neurodegenerative Unit with optional padding for resident rooms and bathrooms. We understand falls happen, but we work towards prevention and the highest level of care at all times.
We find need for additional care and support depends on how far the disease has progressed. A caregiver is recommended when someone can no longer safely complete everyday activities on their own. It can be difficult to determine when you need help. Use this guide on when to consider a nursing home for Huntington’s Disease to help you find answers.
Several resources are available for the family and caregivers to help you on your journey. HDSA Chapters provide valuable information and connections. Support groups for both patients and caregivers are available in the area. We are able to support and help with disability applications as well as connections to specialists and clinics. Every month, Ferncliff’s offers caregiver support groups and recreation activities.
The most important and personal question is about who is working directly with your loved one. Our complete care team includes:
- Doctors and neurologists
- Nurses and nursing assistants
- Social workers
- Recreation specialists
- Dietitians
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
Each team member plays an important role in providing quality care.