Allan Grill

As a licensed Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I highly recommended this video concerning rehabilitation counseling prepared by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Here is a link to to the this video at the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification website: http://www.crccertification.com/pages/crcc_video/348.php You may also view this video directly below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCZVNg3dhrU

Movement Disorders & Public Scrutiny

February 26, 2014

Someone recently asked me what should someone do about public scrutiny if s/he has an obvious movement disorder, such as Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, or other neurological disorder? This question could also be applicable to wheelchair users who are also prone to public scrutiny when out and about in the world. While the focus of this article is on eating out in public, the “tips” provided apply to other situations as well. Let’s face it, people are going to stare. …

Legal Planning for Incapacity

February 26, 2014

Let’s face it, legal planning for incapacity is not a particularly fun or glamorous topic to discuss or even think about. But, it is an extremely important subject to address if you have a progressive disorder, such as HD. I strongly believe that everyone, disabled and nondisabled alike, should consider legal planning for incapacity if any of these following questions hit home for you: 1) If I should be unable to articulate my needs or otherwise make my needs known…

A Caregivers Bill of Rights

February 26, 2014

I have the right: To take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the capacity to take better care of my relative/loved one. To maintain facets of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he or she were healthy. I know that I do everything that I reasonably can for this person, and I have the right to do some things just for…

Caregivers Take Care of Yourself

February 26, 2014

These guidelines are helpful whether you are taking care of yourself or if you are a caregiver for another person. They are summarized from the National Council on Aging, Inc., “Caregiving Tips” series. First of all, admit your feelings. Feeling tired, isolated, helpless, angry or scared can be indications that you are trying to handle too much without the help and information you need. Such feelings, though difficult, are natural. Talk to your family and friends about what you feel;…

Cognitive Disorders: Combating Apathy & Inertia

February 26, 2014

A daily routine can be a beneficial therapeutic tool in combating apathy and inertia, common to cognitive disorders such as Huntington’s Disease and other psychiatric and cognitive symptoms. In spite of some of our conditioning to resist and resent routines imposed upon us and to value unstructured time, a written daily schedule of activities can be a most useful external device to encourage initiation when the ability to initiate from inside oneself is impaired. Because of the changes in brain…

Knowing the Signs of Depression in Huntington’s Disease

February 26, 2014

Depression is one of the common psychiatric syndromes related to Huntington’s Disease. It is often a syndrome that goes unrecognized and untreated. While depression affects a significant number of people with HD (it is estimated at 40%), it is one of the most effectively treatable set of symptoms. Knowing the signs of depression is the first step in getting the appropriate help. Depression can be a psychological reaction to a variety of life changes and stressors. This may include declining…

Depression and Older Adults

February 26, 2014

Life is a series of adjustments to change. As the years unfold, various events in later life may lead to experiences of sadness and grief. The Golden Years can become tarnished by problems, and sometimes coping with life can seem overwhelming. Older adults are faced with a variety of issues, including: declining physical health, loss of relationships, decreased financial security, and a decline in mobility that affects keeping up with familiar activities and involvement. Feeling depressed at times is a…

What Can I Expect at the First Counseling Session?

February 26, 2014