rehabilitation

Since 1996, antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) have revolutionised the treatment of HIV+AIDS, although a cure still remains a long way off. We have seen our focus shift from terminal and respite care to rehabilitation both in the UK and Africa.

In the UK we provide the UK's only specialist unit for men and women with HIV-related brain impairment (HRBI). Symptoms of HRBI include poor concentration, loss of co-ordination and speech difficulties. This often renders individuals unable to perform daily living tasks such as cooking, washing, shopping or crossing the road

As well as addressing a rise in HIV related brain impairment, we are responding to multiple other needs. These include side-effects from ARV drug therapy, control of distressing symptoms and serious psychological, emotional and mental health issues, late diagnosis with opportunistic infections.

To deal with this, whether in Africa or UK, interdisciplinary work is essential with staff skilled in the following areas:

•        medical         
•        psychiatric, counselling and social care
•        rehabilitation
•        occupational therapy
•        physiotherapy
•        aroma / massage therapy
•        speech and language therapy
•        dietetics  
•        chaplaincy