In Home Care for Multiple Sclerosis

Finding the right in home care for Multiple Sclerosis (“MS”) is important. When you’re diagnosed with MS it is extremely important that everyone involved in your life be educated about the disease and hopefully, understand how important in home care can be.

What is MS?

MS, or Multiple Sclerosis, is an auto-immune disease that affects the myelin; a coating that acts much like the coating around wiring only around the nerves of your body. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society gives a concise definition of what MS is and how it can affect you.

MS Facts

• Degenerative – MS is a degenerative disease that generally progresses with worsening of symptoms. There are 4 types of MS.
• Testing for MS – There is no test to confirm that you have MS. Testing is done to rule out other possible diseases and health issues.
• Treatment – There is no cure for MS; treatments are geared towards helping with the symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Treatments can include pharmaceuticals, alternative methods, and therapy plans designed specific to the symptoms.

In Home Care for MS Patients

Because MS is a degenerative disease without a cure, it is important to focus on the symptoms of the disease and create an atmosphere that helps you feel your best. Utilizing in-home care for MS is an excellent way to maintain quality of life.

In Home Care Options for MS Symptoms

• Symptom Care – One of the benefits of having in home care when you have MS includes the ability to care for the symptoms that directly affect your life.
  • Exhaustion – Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of MS. Having assistance with everyday chores is extremely helpful and allows you to focus on what’s important in your life; your health, your family, your job and your friends.
  • Small Motor Skill Functions – MS can cause numbness and lack of feeling in the extremities, affecting the ability to do certain daily life tasks that require small motor skills. This can cause problems with your ability to dress, pick up items, and much more.
  • Vertigo – Because you can tire easily, find it difficult to move safely (especially on uneven surfaces) and are more prone to falling, hiring help for certain tasks can help. Cleaning, lawn care, snow removal, and other chores can become dangerous; making it beneficial to hire help. (Note: Not all of these chores are a part of  “in home health care” but you can hire the appropriate help for each job)
  • Muscle Stiffness & Chronic Pain – Movement can be hindered by MS, muscle tightness can occur, and pain can affect your ability to perform everyday tasks.

In Home Health Care for MS Brain Fog

• Brain Fog – It is estimated that nearly half of those diagnosed with MS experience brain fog.
  • Occupational Therapy – This type of therapy can help you create ways to better deal with daily life skills. Having the ability to find a better, easier way to do things helps ensure quality of life.
  • Speech Therapy – There may be increased difficulty with speech and the inability to find your words. Learning certain techniques and skills from a trained speech therapist can help.
  • Brain Train – Daily activities that challenge the brain could play an important part in retaining and even help reverse cognizance issues.

Visit the NewLifeOutlook – Multiple Sclerosis Website to view the full infographic above & learn more about MS brain fog.
The National MS Society may have a Chapter near you. Focus on management of the disease and quality of life with help from Above & Beyond Home Health Care. We offer in home care for MS patients, along with in home therapy options and skilled nursing.

Photo by KOMUnews

Exercise Your Mind Photo by New Life Outlook – MS