The Krysalis neuro OT net widens
The Krysalis neuro OT net widens! Say ‘HALO’ to our brainchild, Neuro Logical and its first partner in the protection market, Guardian…
It demonstrates a move in the right direction for the insurance sector as it strives to be more accessible and inclusive. Inclusion for all is good for us, good for communities and good for society. 
Krysalis Clinical Director, Jo Throp
Casting the neuro occupational therapy net wider to support more people with neurological conditions is one of Krysalis’s prime goals.
And guiding the insurance industry on how best they can respond to these unique needs is one way of achieving it.
We are delighted, therefore, to have forged a partnership with the multi-award-winning brand, Guardian – in the year of their 200th birthday.
And we are equally delighted to announce the ‘birth’ of our Clinical Director, Jo Throp’s brainchild – Neuro Logical; a bespoke support service for people with neurological conditions.
Guardian has added Neuro Logical to its claims service, HALO, which provides additional specialist support for those needing it.
Through Neuro Logical, critical illness claimants will be able to access tailored guidance in navigating the challenges of a neurological diagnosis.
The service is for people living with:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Motor neurone disease
- A stroke diagnosis
- Brain, spinal cord or central nervous system injury
Describing Neuro Logical at this month’s 2021 Protection Review Conference, Jo explained why this type of service mattered more now than ever.
It matters because many survivors talk about feeling marginalised, unsupported, and misunderstood.
Jo said, “For those who acquire a neurological diagnosis, the person they thought they were – living in their familiar and predictable body – has changed. The routine every day feels unwelcoming, alien, and new.
“For those living with a neurodiverse condition, feelings of acceptance and understanding can be unfamiliar.
“The consequences of these conditions can be broad and far-reaching, from those living with ‘hidden disability’ to those with profound needs who struggle with everyday routines.
“This new service for protection insurance partners is in response to an ever-growing need and gap in the provision of consistent community based neurological rehabilitation.”
The gap has been widened, Jo explained, by a lack of knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with neurological conditions.
And it has been deepened by the covid pandemic.
“Individuals face challenges every day due to their symptoms and a lack of understanding and preconceptions regarding potential,” Jo said.
“There are untold societal and physical environmental barriers and lack of opportunity. These barriers are our shared barriers.”
Why wait?
The latest data from the UK’s Neurological Alliance shows over 130,000 people were waiting for an NHS appointment relating to their neurological diagnosis in March this year.
Of that number, over 10,000 had been waiting over a year; Jo told the conference.
“A study from the MS Society, undertaken at the same time, stated patients were waiting over 12 months to see a neurological rehabilitation specialist,” she added.
“The list of people waiting is only growing.
Families, therefore, find themselves living within the complexities of a neurological condition with no prior experience and often very limited and scant support.
Jo said, “These conditions are unique, complex, and hard to understand.
“Individuals will express feelings of ‘not being confident in their body’ and confused as to what symptoms mean.
“Families no longer recognise loved ones, husbands and wives turn into carer and patient, family homes become hospitals at home, and lifelong friends often disappear, not knowing what to say.
“The result is often a complex muddle of relationships, behaviours, emotions, and daily challenges.”
A 2016 survey of 2,000 people in the UK, conducted by the Sue Ryder charity, found that 45 per cent of them feared having a neurological disorder more than anything else, including cancer or coronary heart disease – both among the leading causes of death in the UK.
They expressed fear over the poor quality of life and loss of independence, in the main.
Jo commented, “Sadly, I think this reflects how we treat people living with neurological conditions in our society.
“It represents the unused potential of a growing population of people.
Not only is this a costly waste for businesses and countries, but it represents hundreds of personal tragedies. But it does not need to be this way.
Neuro Logical, Jo said, empowered individuals, provided therapeutic support to speed up their recovery, and offered guidance to navigate a way forward.
“It is only by working together that services can be more effective, products can be more meaningful and tailored to need,” she said.
“Change is possible. The insurance industry can be part of this change.
“such as this one now offered by Guardian, meets a growing need.
“It demonstrates a move in the right direction for the insurance sector as it strives to be more accessible and inclusive.
“Inclusion for all is good for us, good for communities and good for society. It is, therefore, a collective responsibility.”
The HALO effect
We want to help our critical illness claimants live the best life possible.
Guardian Head of Claims, Phil Deacon
Guardian too is acutely aware of the UK’s growing need for specialist neurological support – and the improvements it can make to people’s lives.
Phil Deacon, Head of Claims, said, “The impact of a neurological condition can be huge, both for the person affected and for those closest to them.
“Many find it difficult to function and interact as they did before, which can be very upsetting.
“We want to help our critical illness claimants live the best life possible following their diagnosis, so we’re very proud to add ‘Neuro Logical’ to our HALO claims service.
“Right now, access to specialist neurological support is more important than ever.
“In the last 14 months, the number of people waiting more than a year on the NHS for a neurology or neurosurgery appointment has increased by more than 9000%.”
Neuro Logical from Krysalis
Neuro Logical from Krysalis offers assessment and time-limited support and treatment for those living with a neurological condition.
The service is focused on the challenges individuals and families face at home, helping them to understand how their neurological symptoms can impact on relationships, wellbeing and valued everyday activities.
It will also gather data to build a comprehensive picture of the service’s impact and ensure its continual improvement.
Other Neuro Logical support streams include:
- Specialist report creation, with tailored advice, strategies, and insights to empower individuals to feel more in control.
- Bespoke therapeutic support sessions to develop understanding of the extent and impact of a diagnosis, overcome challenges and help individuals improve, adjust and plan.
- Direct access to experts at the right time according to needs and diagnosis, so reducing the risk of deterioration or crisis situations.
- Insights on other support services and guidance in accessing them
- A portal to a trusted provider for those choosing to pursue ongoing, self-funded rehabilitation, reassured that they are working with experts.
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We are passionate about neurological rehabilitation; our neuro OT blog has been designed to help us share our collective wisdom to influence, educate and spark moments of discussion and reflection.
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