Live-in care

Multiple Sclerosis is a condition that affects your brain and spinal cord. When someone is living with MS the coating that affects the nerves, called myelin is damaged. Many symptoms are present in a person living with MS and vary widely from person to person, affecting any part of the body. Depending on the type of MS you have, symptoms will vary and will come and go in phases or get steadily worse over time.
The main symptoms include:
?    Fatigue
?    Difficulty walking
?    Vision problems, such as blurred vision
?    Bladder control problems
?    Numbness and tingling in different parts of the body
?    Muscle stiffness and spasms
?    Problems with balance and coordination
?    Problems with thinking, learning, and planning
Types of MS
There are four forms of MS that all require a flexible approach to how care is provided to someone living with the condition:

Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

This is the most common form of MS affecting about 75%-85% of people who are diagnosed. People living with RRMS will have temporary periods where symptoms flare up, called a relapse or new symptoms appear, then the symptoms disappear – this is called remission.
Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS)

With SPMS a person’s symptoms will worsen more steadily over time, with or without relapses and remissions. Before disease-modifying therapies were available 50% of people with RRMS progressed to SPMS approximately 10 years after diagnosis.

Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS)

This type of MS is not very common occurring in only 10% of people with MS and is characterised by slowly worsening symptoms from the beginning without any relapses or remissions.

Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS)

This is a very rare form of MS occurring in 5% of people with MS. Those living with PRMS have steadily worsening symptoms from the beginning with acute relapses and no remissions, with or
without recovery.

Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can have a significant impact on your daily life, both physically and mentally. It progressively damages nerve fibres in the central nervous system, which can lead to difficulties navigating day-to-day activities, making expert care, and support essential. However, an MS diagnosis doesn’t have to stop you, or a loved one, continuing to live the lifestyle you want. With the right support, sufferers of MS can live fulfilling independent lives and remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

At CareMatch, we understand that living, or caring for a loved one, with MS, can be a very stressful and daunting time. That is why our team members are fully equipped to minimise the disruption a diagnosis can cause by providing those affected with the support to cope, and manage the daily challenges, Multiple Sclerosis can cause. We appreciate that everyone’s experience of MS is different, and we cater to each individual’s specific requirements. Our people-centred approach allows our support assistants to deliver the right medical, emotional and physical support needed by their clients in familiar surroundings, enabling them to continue enjoying full control over their lives and live as comfortably as possible with their condition.