What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Living with multiple sclerosis can be challenge for any individual, presenting obstacles that can be difficult for one person to overcome. Described as a condition affecting the brain, the spinal column and the central nervous system, multiple sclerosis (MS) greatly inhibits mobility, limb movement and vision.
It affects 2.3 million people globally and is typically diagnosed in people in their 20s or 30s. Although no cures exist, it can be treated and managed.
MS can be identified by symptoms such as constant fatigue, vision problems, difficulty walking, difficulties with balance and coordination, lack of bladder control, blurred vision, and erratic muscle behaviour.
How home carers can help
If the case MS is so severe that impacts on an individual’s quality of life, steps can be taken to ensure that people can still enjoy independent and fulfilled lives. Valuable support can be provided by care providers.
A care provider can provide tailored and compassionate provision of care to people living with MS, tackling a variety of challenges. This includes help with tasks such as:
-
Self-grooming and personal hygiene
-
Daily tasks such as shopping and socialising
-
Keeping the house organised and clean
-
Helping you with medication and treatment
In addition, the care provider can provide a constant point of contact, which can be invaluable if MS has made it difficult to socialise. They ensure a maintenance in the dignity and mental wellbeing of the care receiver.
At SuperCarers, we recognise how essential it is for people with debilitating conditions to maintain a strong sense of self-worth and independence. We can help you find a care provider to be on hand to guarantee as an independent and fulfilled life as possible.
When do you need home care?
In some cases, MS can be very mild and have minimal impact on your day-to-day life. Although not without difficulties, you can maintain a fully independent lifestyle. Sometimes, however, it is crucial to reach out for help.
You should consider home care if you find yourself struggling with basic daily tasks, such as dressing yourself, personal hygiene, getting out of the house, or keeping the house in order. You may also wish to consider it if you’re potentially at risk of being moved into a home, and wish to avoid it.
Useful Links and Resources
WWhile there remains no cure for MS, new treatments are being developed every day. Every year, the quality of life of MS sufferers improves substantially. The current life expectancy is 5-10 years less than average, and this grows smaller all the time.
In addition our understanding of MS and how to live with it also grows, and so there are a wealth of resources that can be accessed to help those with MSand their loved ones. An important place to start would, of course, be the NHS website.
Other resources include:
