Home Care Options for Seniors with Multiple Sclerosis in Naples, FL and Surrounding Areas
Visiting Angels provides personalized home care options to help seniors in Naples, Marco Island and surrounding areas in Collier County, FL manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis so they can continue to live independently at home
A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can raise a lot of questions. Will the symptoms of your loved one get worse? Will there be a need for professional care? Unanswered questions may lead to fear and anxiety. Learning as much as possible and creating a plan will help you regain control and find support for your loved one's needs.
At Visiting Angels Naples, our home care options can help your loved one manage symptoms of MS by assisting with everyday tasks, help them stay safe and so much more.
What Is MS?
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Its symptoms may be subtle or completely disabling. It stops different areas of the brain from communicating with each other and with the body. Most MS patients are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
What Causes MS?
When the body's immune system attacks the central nervous system, it causes damage that slows or stops nerve transmission. There are many theories about the causes of MS that involve immunology, genetics and viruses, but there is no proven cause.
What Are Common Symptoms of MS?
Early symptoms of MS often involve vision--blurred vision, vision loss and color blindness are common.
Other symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty walking
- Involuntary muscle spasms
- Bladder and bowel problems
- Cognitive and emotional changes
- Pain
- Depression
How Is MS Treated?
Currently, there is no cure for MS. Managing the symptoms of MS is a lifelong process that begins at diagnosis. Medications can help to relieve symptoms; physical therapy and walking aids and braces can help with mobility. A team of medical professionals is likely to be involved in your loved one's treatment: physicians, neurologists, therapists, nurses and mental health professionals. Family members may be asked to assist with their daily tasks.
If care becomes overwhelming for your family, consider professional home care options from Visiting Angels Naples.
MS and Muscle Weakness in Seniors in Collier County
Multiple sclerosis is primarily diagnosed in early adulthood but can be identified in later years. As the prognosis for MS patients increases and the population ages, more of our seniors will have MS. Muscle weakness is a primary concern because it is both a symptom of the disease and a symptom of aging. People who live with MS are at a higher risk of falls, so the risk is amplified for a senior with MS. Visiting Angels Naples provides a fall prevention program to seniors throughout Collier County, so you can have peace of mind knowing your loved one is safe thanks to our dedicated caregivers.
How Can Visiting Angels Naples Help My Loved One?
If your loved one has MS, it’s likely that he or she will eventually need help around the house. It could be a combination of assistance from a family caregiver and support from a professional caregiving agency like Visiting Angels Naples.
Some of our home care options include:
- Personal Care: We assist with meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, errands and transportation to appointments, mobility assistance, medication reminders and personal hygiene.
- Companion Care: We fulfill your loved one's needs for social interaction and emotional support.
- Respite Care: We provide interim care to allow family caregivers a well-deserved break to relax and recharge.
To learn how our home care options can help seniors manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis and other chronic conditions, contact our Naples, FL office at 239-561-7600.