Have you had the opportunity to care for a person living with any of the diseases mentioned above? The student voice at the beginning of the chapter discusses the importance of the patient’s activity of daily living following the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Take a few moments to reflect on how the activities of daily living would vary in relation to common neurological conditions. When on placement discuss with your mentor what you as a nurse can do to ensure the patient with a neurological condition meets their activities of daily living and what interventions may need to be put in place.

The activities of daily living include the following:

• Maintaining a safe environment – patient could be at risk of falls.
• Communication – patient may not be able to make their needs known as they may not be able to speak due to a stroke or may have slurred speech.
• Breathing – patients may have respiratory issues.
• Eating and drinking – stroke patients may have an unsafe swallow.
• Elimination – this can effect stroke patients, Parkinson’s disease patients as well as MS patients.
• Washing and dressing – stroke patients may have a weakness as well as Parkinson’s patients.
• Controlling temperature – stroke patient can have problems controlling temperature.
• Mobilisation – mobility can effect stroke patients, Parkinson’s patients as well as MS patients.
• Working and playing – stroke and Parkinson’s disease patients are normally older and therefore are retired but MS can effect younger patients and therefore their work and recreational activities can be effected.
• Sleeping – patients with stroke, Parkinson’s disease and MS can all have sleep problems.