A Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) changes life in an instant and the effects can be profound and long-lasting.
Movement, sensation and autonomic function can be affected below the level of the injury, with additional care requirements being needed in order to preserve and improve quality of life.
We work to tailor our support to those who have an SCI, whether they have recently experienced the injury or if they have been managing the condition for years.
How can spinal cord injuries be managed effectively?
Given the sudden and profound way an SCI can alter someone’s life, great care needs to be taken to manage the condition effectively.
The distress that is often felt by the person with the injury, as well as those who love them, needs to be understood so that conversations surrounding care can be conducted effectively.
That is why we centralise the individual in every care plan and do not rely on generic treatment pathways, preferring instead to understand the unique needs and challenges of each person.
We deliver nurse-led, bespoke spinal injury care in the home.
Our teams combine specialist nursing oversight with experienced care assistants so clinical needs are managed alongside everyday life.
This helps to encourage independence when possible and improve quality of life.
What long-term support is needed for spinal cord injuries?
Spinal injury care must be planned for the long term.
From the earliest stages through rehabilitation and into lifelong community living, people with SCI benefit from coordinated, multidisciplinary input and a personalised plan that changes as needs change.
Early intervention and ongoing review reduce complications by ensuring that nothing is missed.
Our clinical teams focus on supporting all the associated health concerns that result from SCIs.
This includes respiratory monitoring, cough assist and non-invasive ventilation, which are essential for many people with high cervical injuries.
We also support safe swallowing, PEG management and nutritional support as these are vital where eating becomes unsafe.
Alongside this, bladder and bowel programmes, catheter care and incontinence management reduce infection, preserve dignity and enhance quality of life.
Immobility is managed with assessments of skin integrity, pressure-area prevention and careful manual handling to stop avoidable harm.
We know that life after SCI is about more than clinical tasks as we work to provide holistic support to clients.
We support mobility with safe transfers, hoists and seating, and review equipment so it fits current needs and maximises the standard of living for someone with an SCI.
Where possible, we work to keep people connected to work, education and hobbies and we support families with training, respite and practical planning.
Caring for someone with an SCI can be demanding and we aim to support the loved ones of our clients as well.
If an SCI affects you or a loved one, then be sure to reach out and we can have a no-obligation conversation to better support you.
If you are looking for a provider who works with you to maximise the quality of life of those with an SCI, contact Almond Care today.
