The need for Specialism

Epilepsy is a neurological condition which presents in as many as 50 different conditions. It is diagnosed when someone has repeated seizures (or 'fits', as they're still known to many people). It is caused by excess electrical activity in the brain. 

Over 456,000 people have epilepsy in the UK. It is the most common serious neurological condition and is a major long term disability. 
Many of the world's leading epilepsy specialists are based in the UK.  Unfortunately however, very few GPs have the time required to fully understand epilepsy and there are very few Consultant Neurologists specialising in epilepsy. 
This lack of specialists means that, whilst 70% of people with epilepsy should have their seizures controlled, many are receiving unsatisfactory care.

Some people with severe epilepsy may choose to live in residential care or join a supported living programme, depending on the extent of their disability. There are very few care homes providing specialist epilepsy care. 

The complexity of epilepsy means that specialist care is essential in these circumstances. Although comparatively rare, SUDEP (sudden unexplained death in epilepsy) is the most common cause of seizure related mortality in people with chronic epilepsy. 
The National Sentinel Clinical Audit of Epilepsy-Related Death, published in 2002, estimated that 39% of cases of SUDEP in adults were probably avoidable - once again highlighting the need for specialist treatment and care for all people with epilepsy. 

Independence Homes has the knowledge, the staff and the experience to provide this very specialised programme of care for its service users.
Risk can never be eliminated completely - but it can be reduced.