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Multiple Sclerosis In The Elderly Patient

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nervous system that affects the spinal cord and brain. To date, there is no definitive cause of MS, but it’s commonly accepted by researchers that MS is an autoimmune disease. While the average age of diagnosis is 28, symptoms can start to appear between the ages of 20-48years. Multiple sclerosis is a challenging disease to properly diagnose and treat, and the range of symptoms leads many to seek out help from a caretaker.

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

  • Vision problems
  • Balance and coordination difficulties
  • Physical sensations, such as prickling or numbness
  • Cognitive and memory issues
  • Speech impediments
  • Tremors
  • Hearing loss
  • Depression

PSW agency in Mississauga

The disease typically begins with episodic attacks that may eventually become chronic. Initial symptoms include blurred or double vision, red/green colour distortion, and sometimes vision loss in one eye. Progressive MS symptoms may make it difficult for patients to stand or walk, and some patients may experience partial paralysis. While around half of MS patients may experience cognitive and memory issues, these problems are often overlooked. MS patients may also suffer from depression, which requires careful monitoring. However, the progression of symptoms often stabilises as patients get older.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Because there is no known cause for MS, there isn’t yet a cure for the disease. However, there are medications that can treat its symptoms and reduce the frequency of MS-related health issues. It’s recommended that patients undertake the treatment plan designated by their doctor immediately after being diagnosed.

Long-Term Care

In the late stages of the disease, medication doesn’t have as much as an impact on helping manage symptoms. At this stage, some MS patients find a long-term care facility or elder care home health services helpful, although some patients may choose to receive private home care services from a personal support worker (PSW) earlier. MS patients have special needs that are different from the rest of the population, and elder care home health caretakers can help MS patients manage and monitor their symptoms. A PSW agency in Mississauga that provides premier home care services can connect patients with caretakers who can help MS patients with day-to-day tasks, such as bathing, getting dressed, cooking, and cleaning.

The symptoms and loss of mobility can cause depression in some MS patients, especially because patients are often completely mentally alert and desire intellectual stimulation. Caretakers can help MS patients get around and socialize by going on trips to shopping centres, movies, parks, and museums, which can help reduce symptoms of depression. As symptoms advance and mobility is lost, a private care agency i that provides PSW services at home can be an excellent resource to MS patients and their families.

Working with premier home care services in Mississauga, Burlington, and Oakville can help make caring for your loved one an easier task, while reducing the amount of time they spend in the hospital. iCare Home Health offers PSW services in Mississauga in addition to other elder care home health services including companionship and live-in care .

 iCare Home Health understands that your loved one wants to maintain their independence for as long as possible while avoiding extended hospital stays. Our caregivers in Mississauga, Burlington, and Oakville are committed to treating our patients with care, respect, and dignity.

Visit our website to find out more or contact us to find out how iCare Home Health’s premier home care services can help you.

iCare Home health is a boutique, visionary home healthcare agency that leverages creative and innovative solutions to empower Canadians, young or old to recover from medical procedure or age with dignity in the comfort of their homes.

Our services include Friend at Home, Personal Support at Home, Nurse at Home and Advanced foot care at home or at one of our growing clinics sites.

Our Care Plans are individualized to client needs and preferences. Our team is passionate about the care they provide and strive to make a difference wherever the opportunity arises.

For more information, visit our website at www.icarehomehealth.ca or email us at info@icarehomehealth.ca.

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President of iCare Home Health Services, a community based, boutique home health care company dedicated to serving the needs of our customers to maintain their quality of life and dignity while they recover from illness or age at the comfort of their own home.

Posted in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

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