1. Take Time to Educate Yourself
While you don't need to become a multiple sclerosis expert, familiarizing yourself with the physiological, emotional and cognitive symptoms of the disease will help you support friends and family facing the illness. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation offer educational materials, online caregiver communities and updates on treatment research.
2. Be Emotionally and Physically Supportive
It can be difficult for people with MS to ask for help with what seem like routine undertakings. Rather than drawing attention to your friend or relative's lack of independence, stay under the radar. Quietly take on daily tasks like laundry, cooking, cleaning or errands without mentioning it (or arguing about it). Avoid taking over jobs that they can accomplish themselves, stepping in only where needed and remembering that resistance should not be taken personally. Finally, set aside time to watch movies, read books together, listen to music or chat. Offering friendship can be just as important as helping with housework.
3. Support MS Patients as They Struggle to Adapt
While it is healthy for those with MS to mourn the physical, cognitive and emotional losses they're experiencing, it is important to begin to establish new ways of "doing life." Adaptation may mean allowing family members to take over daily responsibilities, deviating from a career path or utilizing assistive devices to simplify tasks. These are not easy steps to take, as they often signal an unwelcome reliance on others. Support your MS friends and family members struggling with a loss of independence. Encourage them to accept help, release perfectionistic tendencies and embrace life in every way they're able.
4. Help MS Patients Escape the Daily Grind
Taking a trip to the zoo, catching a movie, dining out or watching a sunset are all great ways to encourage those with MS to participate in the joys of life. Remember, however, that the fatigue and mobility problems inherent in the disease can threaten to ruin the best-laid plans. Be flexible. A cup of coffee and a card game at home may be a better way to laugh and connect, without allowing a relapsing MS patient to overexert himself.
5. Lend Support to Family Members
You can indirectly help those with MS by offering emotional or functional support to those caring for their daily needs. While caregivers often believe they should manage everything alone, it can be overwhelming, fatiguing and emotionally draining to provide support for someone with a debilitating illness. Relieve caregivers by providing family meals, taking over while they rest, helping with cleaning and offering friendship and encouragement.
