Assessment/diagnosis
Residential assessments on the unit are generally four to six weeks, however it’s very much guided by the needs of the individual. Should someone be admitted with multiple and complex needs the team may request an extended stay to continue with assessment and management. Video telemetry admissions are usually for five days, but a further five days of prolonged ambulatory EEG may also be required.
Our multi-disciplinary assessments include a full epilepsy work up (revisiting the original diagnosis if necessary), continued and prolonged ambulatory EEGs, rationalisation of the AED’s and giving the appropriate “rescue medication” in the event of unmanageable seizure activity. We also undertake a detailed behaviour analysis and assess the individual’s ability to function independently.
Our holistic approach to client care includes:
- Electro-encephalography (EEG)
- Ambulatory EEG
- Video telemetry
- Anticonvulsant drug level monitoring
- Neuropsychological testing
- Communication / language assessment
- Assessment of activities for daily living
- Behavioural assessment
- Risk Assessment
We encourage each individual to maximise his or her potential with a structured daily routine that can be tailored to meet their needs. This means deciding which activities and leisure pursuits to get involved in according to their own likes and dislikes.
Our range of activities includes arts, crafts, music and games at the Drop in Club and life skills such as cookery, woodwork and horticulture at Day Services. On the AAU we have an activities co-ordinator who devises a weekly timetable of in-house events such as games nights, videos nights and when weather permitting BBQ’s. On Bank Holiday weekends where possible staff will endeavour to organise a trip out for the day into the local community. Previous trips have included the Blue Planet Aquarium and Stockley Farm. The Centre also provides church services open to every denomination.
