Welcome to the Reading
and West Berkshire Branch
1. THE CARERS' HANDBOOK
Becoming a carer can be physically and emotionally exhausting and although there is help available many carers do not have the time to look for it, or know whom to contact. Jane Matthews decided to write The Carer’s Handbook after experiencing the lack of resources, support and guidance during the five years she was a carer. The handbook covers: what carers need to know to do the job; how to find a way through the maze of health, local authority and voluntary agencies; guidance on day to day practicalities; financial and employment rights; coping with emergencies; dealing with difficult feelings, getting support, and keeping care under review.
The Carer’s Handbook is published by HowtoBooks price £10.99 www.howtobooks.co.uk ; alternatively order a copy from your local book shop. Updated book now on sale.
2. MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE – A FAMILY AFFAIR
Dr David Oliver has recently updated the book ‘Motor Neurone Disease – A Family Affair’ published by Sheldon Press priced £8.99. The book explores the needs of the whole family as adjustments are made to living with MND.
Research Information Sheets C (Genetics and Familial MND) and Q (Stem cells and MND) have been revised. Information Sheet C gives an overview of research into familial MND. This information sheet is suitable for anyone with a general interest in familial MND but for families who have only just discovered that they are affected, Information Sheet B might be more appropriate.
Information Sheet Q has been updated with information on stem cells both as a potential treatment for MND and as a tool for researching the disease. It briefly touches on some recent stem cell issues including egg donation and the use of animal eggs.
Both information sheets are available for download from www.mndassociation.org.uk ; hard copies can be ordered from the Publications List.