In-Home Care for Multiple Sclerosis in Asheville, NC

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that multiple sclerosis (MS) affects more than 2.8 million people worldwide, with almost 1 million of them living in the United States. Though most patients are diagnosed between 20 and 40 years old, symptoms can appear at any age. The challenges associated with this disease can be more difficult for seniors, who may be experiencing changes to their strength and vigor already. That's particularly true of seniors who age in place, as they may need the support of professional caregivers to thrive comfortably at home.

Visiting Angels in Asheville, North Carolina, is committed to helping seniors in western North Carolina make the best of their golden years. We're proud to serve individuals living with MS with our characteristically compassionate and customizable approach to in-home care. 

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system. A sheath around the nerve fibers called myelin insulates the nerves and helps transmit electrical impulses. MS attacks the myelin and disrupts the communication between a person's brain and the rest of their body. Over time, MS can permanently damage the nerves. 

If you have a loved one living with MS, their experience may differ from others with the same diagnosis. That's because symptoms depend on both the location and the severity of damage in a person's central nervous system. In some cases, the individual may have just one or two symptoms. In others, MS expresses itself as a group of different symptoms. Also, as the disease advances, the presentation can change. Your loved one may develop new symptoms, and their current symptoms may intensify or undergo remission. With MS, the progression is challenging to predict.

For family members and friends, awareness of a loved one's circumstances can help them create a more accommodating and comforting environment at home. Below is a list of common MS symptoms to help you better understand how this disease affects patients:

• Behavioral, cognitive, or emotional changes.
• Bladder or bowel incontinence.
• Constipation.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Dysesthesia, which may feel like an abnormal squeezing sensation about the torso.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Gait changes.
• Numbness or tingling in the face, torso, or limbs.
• Pain and/or itching.
• Spasticity and muscle stiffness.
• Vision changes.

Specialized In-Home Care Services for MS Patients

Because MS symptoms can hinder everyday activities for seniors who are aging in place, specialized in-home care can be the solution that allows them to maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they require. Visiting Angels of Western North Carolina specializes in providing exactly that, with a philosophy that centers on compassion and individualization so that your loved one gets precisely the level of care they both need and want. Below are just some of the in-home care services that can help them continue living on their terms.

Personal Care

The physical changes that many MS patients experience often compromise their ability to perform the ordinary tasks necessary for everyday living. The goal of the Visiting Angels personal care service is to aid seniors in overcoming such obstacles. Our caregivers achieve this goal with a broad array of support activities, including:

• Travel assistance to and from appointments.
• Errand assistance.
• Mobility assistance (getting in and out of bed, up and down stairs, and around the home).
• Bathing and grooming.
• Maintaining proper hygiene.
• Toileting.
• Meal planning and preparation.
• Medication reminders.
• Joyful companionship.
• Socialization and outdoor activities.

Companion Care

As many people don't fully understand MS and the challenges it presents, those who live with it often feel isolated and lonely. The Visiting Angels companion care service is about helping our clients overcome those feelings by providing them with a consistent and loving presence in their lives when they need it most. Depending on your loved one's specific requirements and preferences, their Visiting Angels caregiver can serve as a dependable companion through meaningful conversation and enjoyable activities. In addition, their caregiver is available to perform various personal care tasks, including those outlined above. 

Social Care

MS patients experiencing fatigue or mobility changes may find it difficult to venture out and socialize with the people they love. Our social care service aims to overcome that difficulty through technology that may help them engage with their friends and family members, such as email, text messaging, and social media. We help seniors navigate areas of the internet that may help simplify or ease their lives at home, such as online marketplaces where they can purchase essential goods and knowledge hubs where they may obtain valuable information about their symptoms or daily challenges.

Customized Care Plans for MS Patients

Every senior we serve in the Asheville & Western North Carolina area has unique needs and wants. That's why we not only tailor each care plan to the individual but also encourage our clients to customize the plans to meet their evolving circumstances.

Your family's relationship with us begins with a complimentary phone consultation that allows us to understand exactly what your loved one desires and expects from Visiting Angels' in-home care. We build a care strategy based on that consultation and then fine-tune the care level to your loved one's specifications. To increase or reduce their care, just reach out to one of our care coordinators, and we'll adjust the care plan accordingly.

Why Choose Visiting Angels for In-Home Multiple Sclerosis Care?

At Visiting Angels of Western North Carolina, we emphasize compassion in all that we do. Our trained caregivers prioritize empathy in each of their client relationships, as they recognize the challenges that seniors may face as they live with a medical diagnosis. Our care coordinators, too, strive to understand every one of our clients' special circumstances so that we may support them in exactly the way they need. It's that personalized approach that distinguishes Visiting Angels in-home care.

Seek Compassionate In-Home Care for MS in Asheville

MS shouldn't have to deprive your loved one of the independence they want and deserve. At Visiting Angels of Western North Carolina, our dedication to serving seniors in and around Asheville drives us to help them realize a comfortable and meaningful life at home. 

To learn more about our in-home care services, reach out to us online or by calling or texting 828-665-3944. One of our care coordinators will be happy to guide you through our care process and discuss your loved one's needs. The initial consultation is free and crucial for helping us understand exactly how to assist your loved one.