DC84-Epilepsy Awareness and Seizure Management Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Epilepsy Awareness and Seizure Management Policy

1. Purpose and Commitment

The purpose of this policy is to outline {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to providing safe, effective, and compassionate care for service users with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain and causes recurrent seizures. As a care provider, we are dedicated to ensuring that individuals living with epilepsy receive person-centred support, allowing them to lead safe, independent, and fulfilling lives. This policy ensures all staff members are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to manage epilepsy effectively, respond to seizures, and provide appropriate aftercare.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, including care staff, administrative staff, volunteers, and contractors. It covers the management of epilepsy for service users receiving care in their own homes, ensuring appropriate response to seizures, medication management, and promoting awareness among all stakeholders.

3. Policy Statement

We are committed to providing high-quality domiciliary care that ensures the safety, dignity, and well-being of service users with epilepsy. Our approach is rooted in person-centred care, ensuring each individual receives tailored support based on their unique needs, seizure types, triggers, and treatment plans.

4. Understanding Epilepsy

4.1 What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures caused by sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can vary in type, frequency, and severity, depending on the part of the brain affected.

4.2 Types of Seizures Seizures are generally classified into two main types:

Focal Seizures: These originate in one specific area of the brain. They may involve unusual sensations, twitching, or altered consciousness.
Generalised Seizures: These affect both sides of the brain and include subtypes such as tonic-clonic (convulsive), absence (brief loss of awareness), and myoclonic (sudden muscle jerks).

4.3 Triggers Common triggers for seizures include stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights, alcohol, missed medication, and hormonal changes. Identifying and avoiding triggers can significantly reduce seizure frequency.

5. Epilepsy Management Plan

Each service user with epilepsy will have an individualised Epilepsy Management Plan (EMP), developed in collaboration with the individual, their family, and healthcare professionals. This plan will include:

Detailed medical history and seizure type(s).
Known triggers and warning signs.
Medication details, including dosage and administration times.
Emergency protocols and when to seek medical assistance.
Post-seizure care requirements.

6. Medication Management

6.1 Safe Administration Staff will receive comprehensive training in administering anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), ensuring adherence to prescribed schedules. Medication administration records (MAR) will be maintained to document each dose given.

6.2 Emergency Medication For service users prescribed rescue medications, such as buccal midazolam, staff will undergo specialist training to administer these safely. Clear instructions will be outlined in the EMP, including dosage and administration route.

6.3 Monitoring and Side Effects Staff will be vigilant for side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, or mood changes. Any concerns will be documented and reported to the service user’s healthcare provider promptly.

7. Seizure Response Protocol

7.1 During a Seizure When a seizure occurs, staff will follow these steps:

Stay Calm: Reassure other individuals and ensure the environment is safe.
Protect the Individual: Move objects away to prevent injury but avoid restraining the person.
Time the Seizure: Accurate timing helps determine if emergency intervention is required.
Positioning: If possible, gently guide the person to the floor and place something soft under their head.
Airway Safety: Turn the person onto their side (recovery position) after convulsions stop, ensuring the airway remains clear.

7.2 When to Seek Emergency Help Emergency services (999) will be called if:

A seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
The person has multiple seizures without regaining consciousness.
The person sustains an injury during the seizure.
This is the individual’s first seizure.

7.3 Post-Seizure Care After a seizure, staff will:

Stay with the individual until they are fully conscious.
Offer reassurance and comfort.
Document the seizure, including duration, type, and any post-seizure symptoms.
Contact healthcare professionals if required.

8. Training and Awareness

8.1 Staff Training All care staff will receive epilepsy awareness training, covering:

Understanding epilepsy and seizure types.
Administering medication, including emergency treatments.
Recognising triggers and managing risks.
Providing post-seizure support.

8.2 Continuous Learning Training will be refreshed annually, with updates provided if there are changes in best practices, legislation, or service users’ needs.

9. Promoting Safety at Home

9.1 Environmental Adjustments To reduce risks, we will conduct home risk assessments, ensuring:

Clear walkways to prevent falls during seizures.
Protective covers on sharp furniture edges.
Accessible emergency call systems.

9.2 Assistive Technology Where appropriate, we will recommend seizure alarms, fall detectors, and smart home devices to enhance safety.

10. Communication and Partnership

We believe that effective epilepsy management requires collaboration. Therefore:

We involve service users, families, and healthcare providers in care planning.
We ensure clear communication regarding medication changes, seizure activity, and care needs.
We respect confidentiality while prioritising safety and well-being.

11. Record Keeping and Documentation

Accurate record-keeping is vital for effective seizure management. Staff will:

Maintain detailed seizure logs, noting duration, type, and triggers.
Document medication administration and any side effects.
Ensure records are stored securely and accessible only to authorised personnel.

12. Quality Assurance and Policy Review

We regularly evaluate our epilepsy management practices through:

Audits of care plans, medication records, and incident reports.
Feedback from service users and their families.
Annual reviews of this policy to reflect current guidelines and best practices.

13. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are committed to providing equitable care for all individuals with epilepsy, ensuring support is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and free from discrimination.

14. Conclusion

Our domiciliary care company recognises the unique challenges faced by individuals with epilepsy. Through comprehensive training, individualised care planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we ensure that service users receive safe, dignified, and empowering support. This policy serves as a framework for achieving excellence in epilepsy care while promoting independence and quality of life.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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