Home Care for People with MS

Multiple sclerosis, often referred to as MS, is a chronic disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath (myelin) surrounding nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. As the disease progresses, it can lead to permanent damage or deterioration of these nerve fibers, which then severely impacts motor and cognitive functions. The symptoms of MS are diverse and can uniquely affect each person with the disease, depending on the extent and location of the nerve damage. Due to the progressive nature of MS, many patients eventually find themselves struggling with daily tasks and require assistance with them. Home care for people living with MS often becomes a requirement as the disease progresses. Having multiple sclerosis home care assistance helps those with the condition manage everyday activities and maintain their quality of life despite the challenges they face.

At Visiting Angels in Palm Beaches, we understand how a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can profoundly impact a patient’s life. The uncertainty of the disease can be overwhelming, with concerns about being able to stay in their own home, as well as be able to perform daily household tasks and travel to appointments and hobbies. Many individuals with MS worry they might need to relocate to a family member’s home or move into assisted living as their condition progresses.

Fortunately, at Visiting Angels, we offer a compassionate alternative that allows you to stay home after being diagnosed with MS. We help connect you with trusted caregivers who provide nearby care for patients with MS at home so they can maintain their independence as long as possible. By providing personalized and attentive care, we aim to ease the burden and worry of managing MS, allowing individuals to focus on their well-being and maintain their quality of life.

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Do People With MS Need Caregivers?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease that varies widely in its progression and impact on individuals. It affects every person differently, affecting various parts of the body and nervous system. However, as the disease advances, the damage to nerve fibers can lead to the need for assistance in the home, as it becomes progressively more challenging for individuals to perform everyday tasks, maintain personal hygiene, and manage transportation to and from appointments independently. While many people with MS wish to stay in their own homes and care for themselves for as long as possible, however, the unpredictable nature of the disease often makes it wise to consider home care for MS as a precautionary measure. Professional MS home care near you can provide essential support and assistance, ensuring that individuals with MS receive the help they need to manage their daily routines and maintain their quality of life. When you hire a caregiver at Visiting Angels, our home care for people living with MS includes:

• Personal Hygiene - This includes assistance with bathing, grooming, and dressing to ensure cleanliness and comfort.
• Mobility Support - A caregiver will help with walking, transferring from bed to wheelchair, or using mobility aids.
• Household Chores - An MS caregiver will also help with light housekeeping tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation to maintain a safe and pleasant living environment.
• Transportation - Multiple sclerosis home care assistance also involves help with arranging and getting to medical appointments, social outings, or other essential errands.
• Companionship - Providing social interaction and emotional support to reduce feelings of isolation and improve mental well-being is also an important aspect of MS home care services.
• Exercise and Physical Therapy - Encouragement and assistance to engage in and accomplish prescribed exercises or physical therapy routines to maintain mobility and strength will also be provided in our home care services for MS.
• Meal Planning and Preparation - Creating nutritious meal plans and preparing meals that meet dietary needs and preferences.
• Safety Monitoring - Part of our caregiver's duties is to make sure the home environment is safe and easy to navigate.

Respite Care For MS Caregivers

Caring for someone with MS can be physically and emotionally demanding, and it's essential for spouses, family members, and other caregivers to have time to rest and recharge themselves. To support both individuals with MS and their daily caregivers, we offer respite care services. With respite care, we offer temporary relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to take a well-deserved break to run errands, spend quality time with their families, or simply recharge. Primary caregivers can trust our team to take care of their loved one as if they were our own family members, ensuring their loved ones continue to receive high-quality, compassionate care. We hope to help caregivers maintain their mental and physical well-being, enabling them to return to their caregiving roles refreshed and better equipped to provide the best possible care.

Cost Of Multiple Sclerosis Care at Home

The cost of home care for MS varies depending on each person’s unique needs and the level of support they require. At Visiting Angels Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, we understand that no two MS patients are alike, which is why we offer personalized MS home care plans that are customized to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether home care is needed for a few hours a day or around-the-clock care, we work closely with families to create a care plan that provides the right level of support while remaining flexible to adapt as the needs of the individual evolve. 

Need Help Paying For Multiple Sclerosis Home Care Assistance?

If you need assistance paying for care for people living with MS at home, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation offers the Homecare Assistance Grant, which can provide vital financial support. This grant connects individuals with MS to the best available local services, and if community resources are unavailable, direct support may be provided temporarily to those in need. Services covered by the grant include: 

• In-home care
• Therapy visits
• Respite care
• Help through the Coming Home program for those transitioning from a hospital or nursing home.

To apply for this financial support opportunity, simply visit the Homecare Assistance Grant page on the MS Focus website and choose either the "online application" or "print application" option at the bottom of the page, depending upon which way you wish to apply. 

Those who are eligible to apply include: 

• Individuals requesting respite care
• Those experiencing an exacerbation of symptoms
• Uninsured individuals
• Those needing physical or occupational therapy

Importance of Physical Therapy For MS Home Care

According to Lauren Proenca, a board-certified neurological specialist at South Florida Neuro Rehab, physical therapy plays an important role in managing Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This chronic autoimmune disease affects the central nervous system and can lead to symptoms like muscle weakness, impaired coordination and balance issues. Physical therapists work with individuals with MS to develop personalized exercise programs aimed at improving mobility, strength, and flexibility. Through targeted interventions, MS physical therapy helps reduce symptoms, maintain functional abilities, and enhance overall quality of life for those living with MS.

Contact Visiting Angels For More Information On Home Care For People With MS In Palm Beaches

If you or your loved one has MS, it's likely that home care will eventually be required due to the nature of the condition. While you may be able to provide some or all of this care yourself, hiring a professional caregiver can have many benefits, even if just for respite. At Visiting Angels in Palm Beaches, we offer customized multiple sclerosis home care assistance tailored to meet the unique needs of people living with MS. Our team is here to provide in-home consultations, discuss your options, and work with you to figure out finances. For more information on how we can support your family experiencing MS, don’t hesitate to contact us today.