Today is World Social Work Day, a great opportunity to promote our new guide to social work with adults who have Huntington’s disease.
This was developed in partnership with the British Association of Social Workers.
Eight in ten people (82%) who responded to our campaigns survey said we should prioritise developing guidance for health professionals on what good care and support looks like for people living with Huntington’s disease. We’ve listened and are pleased to announce that the social work guide is the first of many guidelines we will be developing for different groups of health professionals. We want to make sure that every professional supporting someone with Huntington’s disease knows how to provide safe and effective care.
“We’re delighted to have worked in partnership with the Huntington’s Disease Association to develop this practice guide. As Huntington’s disease is so rare, many social workers will not have experience of supporting someone with the condition. That’s why this guide is so important”.
Dr Luke Geoghegan, Head of Policy and Research, the British Association of Social Workers (BASW)
The guide provides essential information to social workers on how to work sensitively with families affected by Huntington’s disease, being aware that the person may have mental health problems, as well as difficulties thinking and processing information. For example, it explains that it may take longer for the person to complete tasks and that this should be considered when arranging a care package. Social workers are advised not to assume that a person becoming less responsive to calls, letters or visits is refusing to engage, as it may be a sign that the disease is progressing.