1. Act as a Health Care Advocate
Multiple sclerosis patients may have a long list of health providers, including general practitioners, neurologists, physical and occupational therapists and naturopaths. Due to the overwhelming nature of MS, it can be difficult for patients to keep track of appointments, remember important questions, take notes during visits and monitor prescription doses. Caregivers can help by attending medical appointments to provide moral support, remind patients to discuss new symptom concerns and act on behalf of their medical interests. This is especially important for patients with cognitive and emotional symptoms that cause them to have difficulty managing the health care maze.
2. Encourage Wise Use of Energy
Encouraging MS friends and family members to conserve their energy is a critical part of caregiving. Patients may be suffering from physiological, cognitive and emotional symptoms, but are reticent to give up valued independence with tasks like driving, working and maintaining the household. Remind patients that they will have more energy and interest in leisure activities, hobbies and socializing if they allow you to help with the dishes or the laundry. Do not be offended if you are met with resistance, as it is often painfully difficult to adapt to a lifestyle of depending on others. Try to be patient, offering support and encouragement throughout each stage of the disease.
3. Learn to Live With Unpredictability
Caregivers who prefer planning ahead may find themselves frustrated if they do not learn the fine art of flexibility. Because of the fluctuating nature of MS, a patient may be energetic one moment and experiencing debilitating fatigue the next. Having a backup idea helps prevent stress for patients, family members and friends when they are unable to carry out their initial plans.
4. Provide Support and Encourage Independence
An MS patient may struggle with relying upon others. While it is important to provide support and assistance, remember to encourage her to participate in household tasks, social settings and self-care situations whenever possible. This enhances a patient's sense of well-being and allows her to continue to be mobile and self sufficient.
5. Know When to Ask for Help
Studies show that MS caregivers (and patients) are more content when they have regular respite opportunities--time to sleep, enjoy a meal or socialize away from home. If you're a caregiver who is frazzled, exhausted and on-call 24/7, it is difficult to visualize leaving your responsibilities. In addition, well-meaning friends and family members don't always know how to help. The remedy? Be courageous enough to ask for help, and be specific about your needs. Rather than beating around the bush, ask someone to fill in for you for a few hours, provide a family dinner, keep you company or even vacuum the house.
