Huntington’s disease (HD) is a brain disorder that affects how a person moves, thinks, and feels. Huntington’s disease is passed down in families, meaning if a parent has it, their child may inherit it too. Symptoms usually start between the ages of 30 and 50, but sometimes they can appear earlier or later.
The symptoms fall into three main types: cognitive (thinking), motor (movement), and psychological (emotions). A person with HD may have trouble with coordination, involuntary movements, or changes in mood. Over time, daily tasks like dressing or eating become harder. Doctors and therapists can help manage symptoms with treatments and support.
As Huntington’s disease progresses, the person may have trouble speaking and swallowing, and they will need more help with daily care. Because Huntington’s disease affects everyone differently, even people in the same family may experience it in unique ways.
Our philosophy is to enable people to live as independently as possible for as long as possible despite the confines of the disease, bring certainty to their lives, and support family engagement. We have completed extensive research and co-developed a Community of Practice framework with other leaders in the field, supporting:
Brightwater offers dedicated 24/7 care for people with Huntington’s disease, one of only two organisations in Australia to do this. Our goal is to provide a place where like-minded organisations come together to share ideas and policy documents, brainstorm issues, and create a stronger voice for people with a neurological disability living in supported independent living.
Brightwater’s approach to service delivery is customised, as determined by each client. We often connect clients with the Huntington’s community from the earliest stages of the disease. Our approach often encompasses all daily living activities, including engagement and relationships with family, social connections, and other service providers
We empower personal choice as the disease progresses, encouraging each person to retain the skills required to achieve optimal quality of life and independence for as long as possible.
Our dedicated home, Piara Waters is a purpose-built campus designed for people with Huntington’s disease so they can achieve the highest quality of life possible. It was co-designed with families and allied health, advocacy and clinical organisations so clients receive excellent care from diagnosis through to end-of-life care.
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Our Capacity Building service operates on a team-based model to fully support clients living with Huntington’s disease. It includes traditional therapy disciplines, support coordination, behaviour support, and registered nursing consultancies. Services and support are available from the earliest stages of the disease all the way through to palliative care and end-of-life processes.
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Determined to help people with Huntington’s Disease live the best life possible, Brightwater began the momentous task of establishing Piara Waters. Here are 8 reasons why Brightwater’s Huntington’s Disease Campus is so groundbreaking.
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We create communities where people connect and belong, thriving through progressive and responsive care.
Whether in your own home, or one of ours, we keep you connected to what matters most, in the communities you belong so you can thrive.
As specialists in acquired and progressive neurological conditions we support people living with Brain Injuries, Dementia, and Huntington's Disease to reach their full potential. Designing bespoke programs and world leading homes including BrightRespite, Piara Waters Huntington's Disease and Oats Street brain rehabilitation, to provide innovative care and a pathway to greater independence.
We are the only WA aged care and disability provider with a dedicated Research Centre – a hub of discovery and innovation, collaborating with national and international universities to find innovative solutions to improve the quality of lives of our clients.
For over 100 years, we’ve been there for West Australians from all walks of life. With humble beginnings in Subiaco, today we provide services all across Perth.
