Information and Support: Information and support for family members is needed, particularly in times of crisis.
Entitlement to services: Community care support and Home Help Assistance are required to enable the family to care for the person with HD in the home for longer. People with HD will have a better quality of life with rehabilitative therapies such as: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and dental care and will maintain their abilities for longer.
Counseling: Counseling is needed by those at-risk to the disease, those diagnosed with HD and those who wish to take the predictive test.
Additional Neurologists: Ireland needs an increased number of Neurologists so as to ensure that each person diagnosed with HD is given regular check-ups.
Respite care facilities:Respite care and long term facilities are very limited for people under 65 years old, this situation needs to be rectified.
Practical help: Families can require practical help in the form of specialised chairs and beds, communication aids and so on which can enhance the quality of life for the person with HD as well as the family.
Medical Card: HD is a long-term illness (not included in the Long Term Illness list under 1970 Health Act) yet the medical card can be difficult to obtain and is often subject to annual review.
Expense: The expense regarding extra dietary requirements needs consideration. The person with HD may require 5000 calories daily.
