Within the United States, somewhere between a half a million and a third of a million people are living with MS. Around 200 new cases are diagnosed each week, more than twice as often in women than in men, and more frequently in people with northern European ancestry.
MS is most common in people between age 20 and 50. However, younger and older people can also develop this chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. Although it can result in limited mobility, the National MS Society reports that almost everyone with multiple sclerosis lives a normal life-span.
Coping With MS
Because fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS, everyday activities can become more difficult. Other symptoms include difficulty walking and making small movements, trouble with memory, weakness in arms and legs, and depression. Any or all of those can make it hard to keep up with ordinary routines such as getting to medical appointments, running errands, visiting friends, grocery shopping, simple housekeeping, personal grooming, and preparing meals.
How Home Care Can Help
Sioux Falls Primary Home Care Services skilled caregivers provide assistance with daily activities that can be challenging for people with MS. Family members who want the best for their loved one can’t always provide care around the clock when other demands arise, and that results in additional stress.
An in-home, screened caregiver can make the difference between stress and relief, enabling everyone in the family to relax with the knowledge that their loved one is benefiting from quality care.
Customized Care Plans
Dealing with the everyday difficulties of MS can be easier with assistance from a compassionate professional. Sioux falls Primary Home Care Services caregivers can create a customized plan to suit your specific needs in a variety of areas, including:
- Transportation to therapy appointments and support groups
- Preparing nutritious meals and assisting with feeding
- Transferring from bed to wheelchair to chair, as needed
- Protecting skin from friction, pressure, and excessive heat, moisture, or dryness
- Help with restroom use, bathing, dressing and grooming
- Positioning to achieve proper alignment when on bed rest
- Medication and personal safety reminders
- Light housekeeping, running errands, and scheduling events
- Offering friendly conversation and emotional support
- Encouraging and planning social activities and exercise
Help for Caregivers
Most people with MS prefer to remain at home as long as possible, which may very well be for a lifetime. Family members who want to provide as much support as possible often wind up feeling overworked, but bringing in a Sioux Falls Primary Home Care Services caregiver can make life better for everyone.
The relief from stress that comes from outside help benefits not only the family members trying to maintain a positive attitude, but also the person with MS who dislikes causing extra work for friends, neighbors, co-workers and loved ones. Since living with multiple sclerosis is stressful to begin with, taking steps to reduce stress can be extremely beneficial for everyone involved.
Request a free in-home assessment today to see how Sioux Falls Primary Home Care Services can assist your family.