Article Text
Abstract
Background The care of patients with Huntington’s disease (HD) requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a wide range of services that can support the individual in each stage of HD as well as addressing the needs of those around him. A multidisciplinary approach to the family with HD comprises a variety of specialized services, such as neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology, clinical genetics, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, dietician, and dentistry. Social services are an integral part of the management of an HD family.
Aims To share experiences from a social services perspective from a German HD clinic.
Material and methods Summary of experiences from case management.
Results/outcome HD patients require a lot of support from social services. They need advice on their welfare rights, insurances, and benefit from help with financial advisors, disability, employment advisors, peer support groups, housing support services, day-care services, personal care, occupational therapy services, and drivers’ licensing authorities.
Conclusions Social services are a key component of the care of an HD patient.
- Social work
- Casemanagment