Seniors with Multiple Sclerosis: Providing the Homecare They Need
Homecare Springfield PA
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that typically affects people between the ages of 20 and 50, but has also developed for some adults later in life. It can affect many areas of the central nervous system, causing the senior to lose control of their muscle movements. MS can occur when there is an obstruction in the path of the brain and spinal cord’s transmitters, making it difficult for these parts of the body to communicate with other areas.
After the disease progresses, the senior will be unable to control their hand and leg movements. Because of this, they will need a senior homecare provider to assist with chores, meal preparations, transportation, and any other tasks that have become too challenging to accomplish. Watch for the following symptoms in order to know when your loved one may need medical attention.
Symptoms
If you are concerned that your elderly parent may have MS, contact their doctor immediately, especially if you notice any of these symptoms.
Painful vision loss, also known as optic neuritis,
Changes in their vision before developing optic neuritis, such as blurry vision, flashing lights, or changes in color,
Moving the eye or the tissue surrounding the eye becomes painful,
Lack balance when walking or performing gentle tasks with their hands,
May experience vertigo, or the sensation of spinning,
Involuntary actions of the bladder and intestines,
Fatigue,
Seizures, which is very rare.
Symptoms become worse when the temperature increases, like during a hot shower or exercising.
Each person will experience different symptoms, but all should be addressed by a medical professional early enough to get properly treated.
Diagnoses
Unfortunately, MS can be a difficult disease to diagnose because its symptoms match those of other diseases. However, there are some tests that can be done to confirm the elder’s diagnoses of this disease, like:
Routine laboratory work, including a complete blood count, urinalysis, a spinal fluid evaluation, and blood chemistry can be done.
An MRI can be used to find any changes in the brain through images of the spinal cord or brain .
A neurology medical professional can make an official diagnoses, so either the elder can see one that has been recommended by their doctor or can search for one on their own.
Treatments
There are a number of medications on the market that are designed to ease the symptoms and progression of MS. You and your loved one should discuss these options with their physician in order to find the one that is right for them.
Caring for an elderly loved one with multiple sclerosis has unique challenges that come with the caregiving responsibilities. If you are in need of additional help and support in caring for your loved one, a trained senior homecare provider can assist.
Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/multiple_sclerosis/article_em.htm
If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Springfield PA, please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today.
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
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