Strategies to Manage Multiple Sclerosis in Seniors

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable and potentially disabling disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. A senior or adult with MS can benefit from having a certified home health aide as it’s a lifelong condition that may interfere with daily tasks. Here, we discuss strategies to manage multiple sclerosis in older adults:

• Commit to a healthy diet.

  While MS is not directly caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, those with a higher body mass index tend to experience worse symptoms. A balanced diet is also beneficial for preventing chronic conditions that exacerbate MS symptoms, such as metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Additionally, skilled nursing care can help manage chronic conditions.

• Address sleep issues.

  MS is known to cause sleep issues like frequent nighttime urination, leg spasms, and insomnia. In addition to receiving one-on-one care, arrange an appointment with your loved one’s healthcare provider to address sleep issues. Managing a chronic illness can be exhausting, so improving one’s sleep is necessary to better cope with its symptoms.

• Modify your home environment.

  The symptoms of MS can strike suddenly and make it difficult for your elderly loved one to navigate their home. Consider making home modifications, such as making sure essentials are within reach, installing safety features in the bathroom, and cutting down on clutter to reduce the risk of falls.

Here at Care Art Homecare, our goal is to deliver exceptional home care in Orange County, California. For more information about our senior care services and how we enable healthy aging at home, feel free to set an appointment with us and discuss your loved one’s needs.