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Caring for an Elderly Person with Multiple Sclerosis: Tips for Caregivers

February 18, 2023
A relatively rare disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) affects one in every five hundred people. It can, however, be a life-altering experience for those who have loved ones with MS. Multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord. A person's symptoms may vary from mild to severe and may vary from one person to another. Care for an elderly loved one with multiple sclerosis requires understanding the challenges you will face and developing a care plan that meets their specific requirements. We will be discussing some tips for providing care for a loved one with multiple sclerosis in this blog post as well as some tips for caring for them at home.


What is multiple sclerosis and what are the symptoms?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It damages the myelin sheath, which surrounds nerve fibers as a protective layer. In addition to memory loss and confusion, MS can also cause cognitive problems. MS cannot be cured, but some treatments can help manage its symptoms.

Some common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
  • Fatigue
  • Numbness or tingling in the limbs
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Bladder or bowel problems
  • Depression
  • Cognitive issues

Your loved one can experience all or some of these symptoms depending on the severity of their condition. As they may need help with activities of daily living that were once easy for them, it is important to be understanding and patient.


What Should You Do If Your Loved One Has MS?

Make an appointment with your loved one's doctor if you observe any of the above symptoms. Multiple sclerosis can only be diagnosed by a medical professional. Managing your loved one's MS and ensuring that they live a comfortable life can be difficult once they have been diagnosed.

Here are some tips for caring for someone with multiple sclerosis:
  • Assisting them in sticking to their treatment plan. It may involve taking medication, attending therapy appointments, and changing one's lifestyle.
  • Maintaining an active and mobile lifestyle can help to delay the disease's progression.
  • Aiding them with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
  • As living with MS can be difficult and frustrating, it is important to provide emotional support.
Caring for someone with multiple sclerosis can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. You can contribute to the quality of life of your loved one by providing them with care and support.


Multiple Sclerosis: How Does It Affect Daily Life?

The central nervous system is affected by multiple sclerosis. There can be problems with movement, balance, vision, and thinking as a result of this condition. MS can make even everyday tasks difficult for people. To make life as comfortable as possible for a loved one with MS, follow these tips:
  1. Encourage them to stay active. People with MS benefit from exercise because it can improve their mobility and overall health. Encourage your loved one to stay active by going for walks or participating in other activities they enjoy.
  2. Provide them with assistance with everyday tasks. Your loved one may need assistance with bathing, dressing, and cooking depending on their MS severity. Whenever possible, assist them and make sure they have all the tools and supplies they need for daily tasks.
  3. Patience is key. People with MS and their loved ones can find living with the disease challenging. Be patient with your loved ones, and be understanding if they have good or bad days. Allow them the space to cope in their way when needed, but offer support when needed.
  4. Understand MS well. The less you know about MS, the better you'll understand your loved one's condition and help him or she manage it. For people with MS and their families, there are many helpful resources available online and through support groups.


How can you cope with the stress of caring for a loved one with MS?

The task of caring for a loved one with multiple sclerosis can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Helping your loved one live a full and satisfying life is possible when you provide them with care and support. As well as taking care of others, you should also take care of yourself. To cope with the stress of caring for a loved one with multiple sclerosis, here are a few tips to consider:
  • Find a support group. Many online and in-person groups can provide emotional support.
  • Take breaks when you need them. It is okay to take some time for yourself, even if it is just an hour or two.
  • Ask for help from friends and family. Let others know what you need and when you need it.
  • Talk to your doctor about your stress levels. They may be able to provide some tips or resources that can help.
Taking care of yourself will allow you to handle the challenges of caring for someone with multiple sclerosis better.


Multiple sclerosis: What are the most effective treatments?

Multiple sclerosis does not currently have a cure, but several effective treatments can help manage its symptoms. The following are some of the most common treatment interventions:
  1. Medications - A variety of medications can be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of MS, such as those that reduce inflammation, improve nerve function, or reduce muscle spasms.
  2. Physical Therapy - Patients with MS can benefit from physical therapy by improving their mobility and function, as well as decreasing pain and muscle spasms.
  3. Occupational Therapy - With occupational therapy, people with MS can adapt their home and work environments to better suit their needs. Also, it can help them learn new skills that will allow them to continue participating in activities they enjoy.
  4. Speech Therapy - MS patients who have difficulty speaking clearly or swallowing can benefit from speech therapy.
  5. Nutrition Counseling - To manage their symptoms, people with MS often need to make changes to their diet. They can benefit from nutrition counseling to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need to make these changes.


Contact BrightStar Care of Roseville Sacramento/Carmichael Today!

Looking into caregiving services may be overwhelming, but with BrightStar Care Roseville Sacramento, we ensure to make the process so much easier for you. We are confident that our team of professionals will assist you in looking for the right caregiver to take care of your loved one by keeping you in the loop and more. Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office proudly serves Roseville and Sacramento.  Our office is located at 151 N Sunrise Ave Suite 1011, Roseville, CA 95661, United States. You may also call us at 916-781-6500. We look forward to hearing from you!