Albeit a rare disease, locked-in syndrome (LIS) has a massive impact on the individuals that suffer from it.
LIS is a disorder in which the individual’s brain is active, but nearly all of their voluntary muscles are paralysed, apart from the eye muscles.
This means that they are unlikely to be able to move their body except for vertical eye movements and blinking.
Of course, individuals with locked-in syndrome need assistance with daily tasks, but it is important to tap into how you can communicate with the individual.
How can you communicate effectively?
As the person’s cognition is unaffected, being unable to communicate with the outside world can be extremely frustrating for individuals with LIS.
Whilst they may be unable to physically speak, people with the disorder can communicate using other methods.
So, it is vital to be able to recognise these methods and interpret what the person is trying to convey.
As eye movement is usually unaffected by the disorder, the main mode of communication is through blinking and eye movement. Devices such as eye gaze devices can facilitate this.
How can Synergy Complex Care help?
Due to the complex nature of locked-in syndrome, getting access to the right specialist care is vital.
At Synergy Complex Care, we ensure that we meet the needs and wishes of each individual with LIS by designing a bespoke package of care.
We use the appropriate communication aids and methods available to make sure our clients can express their feelings and talk with our care team.
Do you need care support for yourself or a loved one? Don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out how we can help you.