Multidisciplinary support for people living with Motor Neurone Disease
In line with MND Global Day on 21 June, Coffs Neuro Physio is highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care for people living with Motor Neurone Disease.
Motor Neurone Disease, often called MND, is a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerves controlling movement, speech, swallowing and breathing. Because symptoms can change over time, people living with MND often need support from a team of health professionals working together.
At Coffs Neuro Physio, this team-based approach is central to how we care for people with complex neurological conditions.
Our clinicians recently held a case study meeting to discuss the care of a gentleman newly referred to our service with MND. The meeting brought together input from physiotherapy and speech pathology, with collaboration across the wider team to ensure his care is coordinated, practical and responsive to his needs.
Physiotherapy support for people with MND may include maintaining mobility, supporting safe transfers, reducing falls risk, maintaining respiratory function, managing fatigue, prescribing appropriate equipment and helping people stay as active and independent as possible for as long as possible.
Speech pathology plays an equally vital role, particularly when MND affects communication, swallowing, saliva management or mealtimes. Early support can help people and their families plan ahead, understand changes, and access strategies or equipment that improve safety, dignity and quality of life. This may include early consideration of PEG feeding, voice banking and other Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
For Amanda O’Neill from Coffs Neuro Physio, multidisciplinary and proactive care are essential.
“With MND, needs can change quickly, so communication between clinicians is incredibly important,” Amanda says. “When physiotherapy, speech pathology and the wider care team are all working together, we can support the person and their family in a much more coordinated and meaningful way.”
The team’s case study meetings provide an opportunity to look beyond one discipline and consider the whole person: their movement, communication, swallowing, home environment, family support, goals and quality of life.
“Every person with MND has a different experience,” Amanda says. “Our role is to listen, plan ahead where we can, and make sure the support we provide is tailored to what matters most to that person.”
MND Global Day is a reminder of the strength of people living with MND, their families and carers, and the importance of timely, compassionate care.
At Coffs Neuro Physio, we are committed to supporting people with neurological conditions through expert physiotherapy, speech pathology and collaborative rehabilitation services.
To learn more, contact Coffs Neuro Physio on (02) 5642 4092 or visit www.coffsneurophysio.com.au/contact