The Motor Neuron Diseases Clinic Team is comprised of professionals from various healthcare disciplines who may be able to contribute to the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of our patients. This enables the MND Clinic to provide comprehensive care for our patients.
Neurologists
The Neurologists on our team have particular expertise and experience with motor neuron diseases and will direct the course of your care, including diagnosis and treatment.
Nursing
The Team Nurse coordinates the multi-disciplinary Team visits, is a contact person for issues developing between visits, and helps coordinate appointments and clinical trials. During Team visits, the Team Nurse will review and update your current medical condition, and review your medications. The nurse will review any changes that have occurred since we last saw you and will ask about any changes in areas such as strength, breathing, endurance, sleep pattern, pain or eating.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists look at the day to day activities that you need or want to do. That can include everything from getting washed and dressed, to work or leisure activities. We work with you to identify and attempt to overcome barriers that interfere with your ability to participate in desired tasks. This may be accomplished through:
- Teaching new ways of doing activities
- Providing information about equipment to compensate for lost function or enhance safety and ease of completing tasks.
- Assisting with obtaining appropriate equipment.
- Accessing community resources
- Providing information about home or other modifications to enhance mobility and safety
- Developing strategies to maximize your endurance
Occupational therapists seek to actively involve our clients and their families in their care. We listen to your priorities and needs and try to find solutions that fit with you and your unique situation.
To find out more about Occupational Therapy visit www.otworks.ca
Physiotherapy
The physiotherapist provides information and strategies to help manage and prevent problems with breathing including proper positioning and ways to improve effectiveness of cough. While there are no specific exercises to overcome the symptoms of ALS, the physiotherapist ensures that you get information and guidance about proper exercises to help manage the symptoms and prevent other physical problems that can occur. The physiotherapist helps to keep you moving about as safely and as long as possible. You and your family are taught how to use the right equipment and the right techniques for your mobility, including walking, transferring and moving in bed.
Social Worker
Receiving a diagnosis of a Motor Neuron Disease is life changing. Relationships can change and people need the opportunity to explore what these changes mean to them.
It’s important to make those closest to you know what you want to happen to you as your condition changes. These wishes should be documented in a Living Will. Powers of Attorney for Personal Care and Property are also important documents to complete. During the social work sessions, we discuss these documents and questions around their completion are answered.
Knowing what is available in your community to support you and your family both physically and emotionally, is often confusing especially if you have never had to access services. Information on how to make those important linkages now or in the future with the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) is provided.
Financial concerns are a worry for most people especially if they have to stop working. People may not know what they are entitled to and how to navigate the disability system. We discuss individual’s disability coverage (private insurance plan, Canada Pension Plan, ODSP) and assist with the completion of paperwork.
The session is for you, so feel free to let the social worker know what questions you have and what information and support you and your family need.
Speech-Language Pathology
The Speech-Language Pathologist understands that problems with communication and swallowing can impact an individual’s personal, social, and vocational activities. The role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in the clinic includes the assessment and management of communication and swallowing problems in patients, as well as education and information for families and significant others. Outpatients are seen during the clinic visit as their needs change and for follow-up referrals to the community or local speech-language pathologist when appropriate.
The Speech-Language Pathology Patients, Families and Visitors Site is designed to help answer some of the many questions individuals may have with regard to who we are, and how we can help.
Clinical Dietician
The dietitian works together with patients and families to achieve an adequate intake of calories, protein and vitamins/minerals to help support the body's immune system and minimize unwanted weight loss.
Volunteer
The MND Clinic is very fortunate to have a volunteer to assist and guide you to each of your morning appointments. We understand how confusing the hospital can be and so the volunteer is a great asset. You will be met in the Pulmonary Department by the volunteer. After lunch break, all of your appointments will occur in 7 Outpatients.
Research Coordinator of Studies and Clinical Trials
The Research Coordinator will supervise and monitor your involvement in any appropriate clinical trials or studies, with the approval of your Neurologist, and in consultation with your Neurologist and the MND Clinic Nurse.
