subject: In Home Care for Multiple Sclerosis [print this page] In Home Care for Multiple Sclerosis In Home Care for Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and frequently progressive disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It can be one of the most disabling of the neurological diseases that strike young adults during their most productive years (20-40 years of age), affecting the entire family.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Physical symptoms may include: abnormal reflexes, tremor, slurring of words, bladder and bowel dysfunction, impaired vision and fatigue or weakness. These symptoms, combined with emotional changes, can result in uncharacteristic anger, anxiety and depression, increasing demands on the care giving network.
Asking the Right Questions
If a loved one has been diagnosed with MS, you can help them cope and improve their quality of life at home by exploring the following questions:
1. How can family members promote independence with activities of daily living, wherever possible?
2. How can family members assist with muscle strengthening, walking exercises and range of motion exercises, according to treatment plan?
3. What can family members do to promote the use of assistive devices and speech impairment treatment plans (eye patch, speech exercises, etc.), and how can family members assist?
5. How can family members ensure healthy elimination, including: bowel and bladder control, avoiding constipation, and monitoring for signs and symptoms of bladder or kidney infection?
6. How can family members prevent skin breakdown associated with immobility?
7. How can family members provide emotional support, companionship and alternative coping mechanisms?
By answering these simple questions you will be on your way to greatly improving your loved one's quality of life at home.
