Many individuals living with multiple sclerosis depend on some level of assistance for their activities of daily living. A few hours a day of practical assistance from a professional caregiver who is trained in MS care can save energy sources from being drained. Nourishing a person’s mind, body and spirit are essential when helping a person with MS stay motivated and enabled. Here are a few of the ways a home care agency can help.
MIND – Professional caregivers can help individuals understand their MS symptoms and how to make lifestyle adjustments. For instance, they can help establish a daily routine, stressing the importance of limiting activities and taking regular rest periods to prevent fatigue and symptom exacerbations.
BODY – Physical limitations play a big part in the caring for MS. A professional caregiver will help with:
- Maintaining proper body alignment when positioning if the MS patient is on bed rest
- Protecting skin from friction, pressure, and excessive heat, moisture, or dryness
- Encouraging daily exercise and assisting with physical therapy
- Providing tasty, nourishing meals and assistance with eating if needed
SPIRIT – Keeping spirits high goes a long way in managing the disease and making life more enjoyable. Professional caregivers are not only physical helpers but know tips to help lift spirits, such as:
- Offering comfort measures, such as gentle massage and warm (not hot) baths
- Encouraging independence by being sensitive to knowing when to take and then give back responsibility for tasks as symptoms come and go
- Providing emotional support
- Providing recommendations for devices designed to make daily activities more comfortable, such as built-up utensils, reaching devices, and sliding boards
Read more about how Live Free Home Health Care can help persons with MS.
With various adjustments made along the way, individuals with MS may look forward to a fulfilling and productive lifetime. Contact Live Free Home Health Care for more information on how our Concord home health caregivers can make a person with MS feel enabled, motivated and connected to others.