Supporting Independence At Home -
Muscular Dystrophy

Being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy (MD) can have a significant impact on your daily life, both

physically and mentally. It progressively causes the muscles in your body to weaken, which can lead to

an increased level of disability, making expert care and support essential. However, an MD diagnosis

doesn’t have to stop you, or a loved one, continuing to live the lifestyle you want. With the right

support, sufferers of MD can live fulfilling independent lives, and remain in the comfort and familiarity

of their own homes.

 

What is Muscular Dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy is an umbrella term for a group of genetic conditions that cause muscles to

progressively weaken; it commonly begins by targeting particular muscle groups, before affecting the

muscles in the body on a wider scale. More than 70,000 people in the UK suffer from MD or a related

condition. There are over 60 rare muscle wasting conditions, affecting 1 in 1000 people in Britain.

Duchenne MD is the most common type of muscular dystrophy. In the UK, around 100 males are born

with Duchenne MD each year. Approximately 2,500 boys are living with this condition at any one time.

The onset of Duchenne MD is usually in early childhood. Due to the way this condition is inherited, it is

far more likely to appear in boys – girls can be affected but the symptoms are usually less severe.

Myotonic MD is the second most common type of MD, and affects about 1 in every 8,000 people. This

type of muscular dystrophy can develop at any age.

Facioscapulohumeral MD can develop in childhood or adulthood; its progression is slow, and those who

suffer with this strain of muscular dystrophy commonly go on to live long lives. In the UK, it is thought to

affect approximately 1 in every 20,000 people, making it the third most common type of muscular

dystrophy.

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Common symptoms of muscular dystrophy include difficulty walking, muscle stiffness, difficulty

swallowing and weakness in the limbs (especially the legs). Behavioural problems  in children, heart

complications and restrictive eye movements or difficulties with sight are also symptoms of muscular

dystrophy. The symptoms of muscular dystrophy are as result of mutations in the genes responsible for

healthy muscle function and structure. This mutation means that the cells that usually maintain your

muscle can no longer carry out this role, and eventually die. Consequently, the muscles become weaker

and progressively waste away.

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The type and severity of symptoms related to muscular dystrophy varies  in each instance depending on

the type of cell mutation that occurs, and which, and how, muscles are targeted. Some people may not

begin to develop symptoms until adulthood, and whilst many MD sufferers experience severe

disabilities, other may experience milder symptoms and live with no significant disability. Unfortunately,

MD is a progressive disease which sees muscle weakness increasing in severity over time. As it

progresses to parts of the body deformities in development of the bones of the chest and spin and

scoliosis can occur, which can lead to serious complications. However, with the right lifestyle changes,

therapies and medication given with the appropriate support, MS sufferers can continue to live as

normal a life as possible.

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Our Muscular Dystrophy Care and Support

Advance understand that caring for a loved one with muscular dystrophy disease, and dealing with the

progressive nature of the symptoms, can be very upsetting and daunting. That is why our team

members are fully trained to minimise the disruption a MD diagnosis can cause by providing the support

sufferers, families and friends may need to help them cope. Together, we create a support plan that is

centred on your specific needs, allowing you to stay in the comfort of your own home, and continue to

participate in the daily activities you enjoy with dignity and as much independence as possible.

 

Specially trained to provide expert MD support, our support assistants offer a wide range of assistance

such as help around the house, medication administration, physical therapy support and personal care.

From meal preparation and household chores to more sensitive issues– such as toileting, bathing and

continence care – Advance are there to carry out all the practical care aspects with empathy and

discretion. We can help you with cough assistance and bed turning, as well as providing expert surgery

aftercare in the case of corrective surgery for scoliosis, monitoring your medication and other regular

treatments, to ensure you are comfortable and managing your symptoms. This gives family and friends

the opportunity to spend more quality time creating special memories with their loved one.

 

Our support assistants understand that as the condition progresses some extremely difficult decisions

may have to be made. They are there to offer emotional support and companionship. Our team

members are there to discuss your choices as symptoms begin to worsen over time, guiding you through

options such as feeding tubes and ventilator care, with compassion and knowledge – always keeping

your loved one’s specific needs and desires at the heart of everything we do. A chat about shared likes,

dislikes and hobbies can really boost morale and improve quality of life. That is why we ensure you or

your loved one is matched with a support assistant with a complementary personality, as well as the

relevant skill set to make the entire family feel as at ease as possible.

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Our Muscular Dystrophy Care and Support includes:

  • Support with personal care that is tailored to each individual

  • Visiting care that can adapt as the MD progresses and your needs change, supporting complex medication regimes

  • Short regular visits through to longer visits, night care, respite or a full time live in carer

  • Specialist support assistants who are trained to help them understand the complexities of muscular dystrophy.Dedicated care team with over 25 years’ experience in the care sector

  • Full assessment before care starts

  • Bespoke and flexible support plan

  • Specialist support and expertise – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Support with social activities that are important to each individual client, and lifestyle enhancement

 

Deciding to let a support assistant into your home for you or a loved one can be difficult. Deciding how

best to support and treat the resulting issues of a MD diagnosis is something that, understandably,

worries people considering homecare for a muscular dystrophy patient. Our experienced, friendly team members are here to explain all aspects of the MD care and support services we offer, and provide

quality, impartial advice and information.

 

CONTACT US today to learn more about MD care support services from our expert team.

 

Find out more about muscular dystrophy from Muscular Dystrophy UK and the NHS website.