Specialist Care

Being told you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is likely to come as a shock. Even though it might help you and your family to finally make sense of your symptoms, you may still feel isolated and afraid.

At Ivy Care we understand the impact that a diagnosis of MS can have on your life and the significant adjustments that you  need to make. We can offer homecare and support to help you and your family through the difficult times.

What is MS?

MS affects about 100,000 people across the UK and is the most common disease of the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord) that affects younger adults.

The brain sends messages to your body through the central nervous system. MS is an autoimmune disease whereby the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibres. This means the messages get disturbed and slow down or stop altogether.

Common symptoms of MS

Symptoms vary for each person because they depend on which nerves are affected and the extent of the damage. They may also fluctuate, some people have symptoms for a short period of time and then go symptom-free for months or even years. Others have symptoms more regularly. Generally symptoms worsen over time as the nerves deteriorate. Ivy Care can provide you with tailored homecare to meet your specific needs.

Common symptoms include overwhelming fatigue, dizzy spells, loss of balance, muscle spasms, numbness, difficulty swallowing and moving arms or legs, bowel and bladder problems, double vision, eye discomfort or loss of vision, memory or other cognitive impairments and sexual dysfunction.

Support to stay well

Treatment for MS aims to slow the progression of the disease and control symptoms. In addition to prescription medications, certain therapies and lifestyle changes can improve the condition. Ivy Care can provide experienced staff to help you maintain your quality of life while remaining in your own home. We create a specialised homecare plan with you. This might include:

• Reminding or helping you to take your medicines to manage your symptoms
• Support with bathing and/or dressing to keep you looking your best
• Catheter care and continence management to maintain your dignity and comfort
• Help to establish a regular exercise routine to improve mood and mobility and to strengthen muscles
• Making sure you have plenty of fluids and a balanced diet with enough fresh fruit and vegetables and fibre to keep you healthy and avoid constipation
• Assisting with routine household chores and shopping so your home life is as you would like it to be

 Find out more about MS and the support available from the MS Society.