How do we help her?

[Sookie57]

Hi my sister in law suffers with ataxia to the point now where she can hardly walk and she is always falling over we as a family feel she needs help but she will not ask she isn't coping physically or mentally how do we help her

[tedjohnson]

Hi there. This is not easy to answer as many of us are in the same position Ataxia uk can put you in touch with your local group which gives you

a chance to talk with other ‘ataxians’. Also your doctor should be able to put you in touch with other organizations who have various aids to make life safer. I now use a scooter in the house and also a bigger one for outdoors (I still fall over from time to time!!)

When I feel a bit low I quickly think of young children who have very painful illnesses and who may not get better. At least Ataxia is not painful in the main (unless we fall badly!!)

Good luck and keep using Health unlocked. We are all here trying to help each other

Ted

[Sookie57 in reply to tedjohnson]

Thanks for your advice Ted😀

[PatsyIpswich]

I was about that age when mine started [late onset cerebellar ataxia] and it haws been so incremental that I have been able to adjust.. I am now 77 and still walking with a rollator. The thing is to accept help and advice, especially about posture and weight control. Hopefully your sister will be referred to neurophysiotherpist and occupational therapist who will give all the advice needed to live a full life. With you as a caring sister, she has added advantage. WBW

[Sookie57 in reply to PatsyIpswich]

Thanks for your advice Patsy

[benning]

Just RESEARCH the condition for her,keep her informed on what's going on and support her the best u can..

[february]

Dear Sookie57, What a kind and caring sister-in-law you are! She is so lucky to have you, as well as other family members who really care! I've had ataxia 20+ years and now use a rollator all the time to walk in my home and out. That helps (for me) with the 'physical' problem! For the 'mental' problem, I suggest your loved one see a therapist, as years ago I was having trouble 'coping' with all the changes and progression ataxia brings! The therapist was very helpful for me! You didn't mention if she uses any aides like an walker, rollator, wheelchair or electric power chair/scooter? Her physician or neurologist could help with this, as well as pointing you in the right direction for other help! I do physical therapy weekly for balance and occupational therapy for dexterity! Hope this is a bit helpful...,;o)

[Sookie57 in reply to february]

Thanks for your kind words and advice

[Piero]

How do you help her? I suspect from your message that you already are. I think the main bridge to cross is to very sensitively show her that she actually does need help. Once she's accepted that, and she needs to, perhaps life will become less perilous for her. My blind intransigence was driven home to me on my third visit to a casualty dept with a family member wasting hours accompanying me on each occasion. I hope a similar narrative doesn't happen in your case. It perhaps would be helpful however if you pointed out to her the discomfort and immobility following a broken hip. Good luck!

[ww-wibblywobbly]

Hi,

She's very lucky to have a sister in law and family that obviously cares so much.

You didn't mention if she uses any aides so my response is imagining that she's not.

It sounds like she's not yet accepted her condition, in which case therapy or meeting with an Ataxia group would be my first recommendation.

As you can probably see from many other posts that exercise seems to really help with ataxia. She could ask her gp to refer her to a physiotherapist who will give her exercises for strength, mobility and balance.

Maybe she could look on this site herself to feel more in contact with others in the same boat.

Not knowing her personality you maybe need to suggest gently.

Thank you for caring

[Jess_Ataxia]

Hi Sookie57, I'm so sorry to hear about this. It must be so difficult for all of you at this time and i understand you all just want the best for her. If you call our Helpline which is open Monday-Thursday 10:30-14:30 they will be able to offer you some support and advise. The Helpline is there for friends / family and anyone affected by the ataxias. The number for it is 0845 644 0606.

Likewise, we have support groups which are all over the country and are run by volunteers from the community. They again are for anyone who is affected by the ataxia so even if your sister in law is not willing to attend, you can go and speak to people who have been in a similar situation to yourself and whom can offer you some advise and support. You can find your local support group here ataxia.org.uk/Pages/FAQs/Ca...

I really hope this helps.

Jess, Ataxia UK