Help us to support others – donate now and change a life
Donate nowJune 01, 2017
Action for M.E. has responded to a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) consultation on Intermediate care including reablement stating that reablement is inappropriate for people with M.E.
Reablement is provided by community-based services and intends to help people recover skills and to maximise their independence.
The post-exertional malaise experienced by people with M.E. means that this approach can worsen their symptoms. In our 2015 survey, one person told us:
“My social worker believes that with a short-term care package (four to six months) there should be ‘noticeable improvement’ in my level of independence. If there isn’t when my care is reviewed she said they will remove my carers as ‘their goal is to promote independence and not dependence.’ I’ve tried to explain that severe M.E. doesn’t work like that, I often have paralysis, I’ve orthostatic intolerance, physically can’t turn in bed etc. Managing personal care and giving me meal replacements isn’t promoting dependence as there are things I physically cannot do. She replied, ‘Well that’s the way our care system works.’”
Based on evidence from people with M.E., in our consultation response we have said:
© 2019 Action for M.E. Charity registered
in England and Wales: 1036419.
Registered in Scotland: SC040452.
Get in touch
Our office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Please call our Information and Support Officers on 0117 927 9551 or send an email. You can also contact each team by direct dial.
Site Designed and Developed by Bake and Headadvisory.
Action for M.E. uses cookies to make your website experience better.