WHEN LOOKING TO the future, the thoughts and concerns of the person with MS must be central to the discussion. What are his or her goals? Which interests and activities have priority? What are his or her values? Does the person prioritize independence or safety? Self-sufficiency or being cared for? Privacy or socialization? Being careful or taking risks? Once issues such as these are understood, it will be clearer how to proceed in the planning.
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| Long Term Care For Multiple Sclerosis |
It is also important in any discussion regarding the future that assumptions held by both the person with MS and family members are put openly on the table and discussed. For example, perhaps the family member with MS has always assumed that loved ones would be there to meet his or her needs, whether it be administering medications, running errands, cleaning the house, or providing hands-on assistance. What may work in the present, however, may be problematic down the road when children have moved away and a spouse's health has declined. In the same way, family members might assume there will never be a time when they would not be available to assist their loved one, failing to leave room for unanticipated life events, career demands, significant health issues, and inadequate community support services.
Community Resources
UNTIL THE NEED arises, most families are completely unaware of the many kinds of resources that are available in the community to help meet their needs. Talking about needs that might arise in the future - and looking into possible options for meeting them - allows time to identify potential resources and formal options of support, including state and county programs, VA programs, paratransit services, and providers of home health, adult day programs, assisted living, and skilled nursing care.
Being knowledgeable about the support systems that are available puts a family many steps ahead if and when such services are required. Identifying resources and making choices in a crisis situation is difficult and often less effective; having a well-thought-out contingency plan helps families feel more secure, prepared, and in control.
Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY REFERS to all of the tools, products, and devices - from the simplest gadgets to the most complex mobility aids and computer systems - which can make it easier and safer for a person to function and for caregivers to provide assistance. Becoming familiar with assistive technology resources enables families to enhance accessibility and safety within the home and the community, and evaluate the resources available in other long-term care settings.
Long-Term Care Options: Advantages and Disadvantages
WHEN CONSIDERING THE various options available for long term care, it is important for families to have a clear picture of what each has to offer, as well as what the potential drawbacks might be. This allows family members to discuss which of the alternatives is best suited to their needs including:
- Home Care: Many services can be brought into the home to support family living. However, issues such as the shortage of home health aides, the cost of such aides, the difficulty of accessing services in rural areas, and home safety must be considered.
- Adult Day Programs: Day programs are usually located in the community and are relatively low cost. They provide socialization for the participant as well as respite for the caregiver. However, many of the programs are elderly-focused; wheelchairs and incontinence may be a challenge; and transportation can be problematic.
- Assisted Living: Assisted living provides housing as well as supervision, personal care services, meals, and recreational activities. It is, however, expensive, generally elderly focused, and lacking in medical supervision and oversight.
- Nursing Home Care: Nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled nursing care for complex, unstable conditions. However, most are elderly-focused and may not provide programming appropriate for the younger resident with MS.
To find out more, you can check out Long Term Care For Multiple Sclerosis.