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Postural care for people with PMLD
Tuesday 11 October 2011
A new campaign and resources from the Postural Care Action Group
The Postural Care Action Group has today launched a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of good postural care for people with multiple disabilities, including people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
The Postural Care Action Group is made up of organisations including Mencap, PAMIS, Postural Care Skills, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, the College of Occupational Therapists and the Royal College of Nursing.
Beverley Dawkins OBE, national officer for PMLD at Mencap, said: “People often assume that body shape distortion is inevitable for people with multiple disabilities, but that is not actually the case.
“With correct positioning, body shape distortion is preventable and can even be corrected later in life. Failure to protect body shape can have serious health consequences – it can even result in premature death.”
The group is calling for effective support for people with multiple disabilities to protect their body shape.
Craig's story
Jenny Whinnett, whose son, Craig, had PMLD, said: “Over time, we found out about sleep systems and did some training. Once you have all the information, training and a simple understanding of the body, it all suddenly makes sense.
“From when we got the training, we didn’t realise how little time we had left with Craig. There’s no doubt in my mind that his life was shortened because of his body shape. That is why it is so important that other families find out about postural care.”
A booklet and a film have been launched to support the campaign. They use case studies (including Craig’s) to explore how training, information and funding for equipment can be used to ensure good postural care.
Comments
I would like to fully support this complain with regard to Postural Care. The difference this can make to people's lives is beyond words. Postural care should be a full part of everyone's care plan - regardless of disability.
Would like to give my support to this campaign. never really knew much about it before reading the booklet. Surely if you need a reason why the care system is so important, then this is it. Puts my problems in the shade.