022 BY MADELINE VANN, MPH


MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY CYNTHIA HAINES, MD


Caring for the 400,000 Americans living with multiple sclerosis is a physical, emotional, and financial challenge for their loved ones.


According to a National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) survey of 421 friends or family members of people with MS, caregivers report spending an average of 24 hours a week taking care of their loved one, and the overwhelming majority point to a great financial toll. About 4 out of 10 caregivers say that multiple sclerosis caregiving has negatively affected their financial situation, and 86 percent say they wish they could find funding to get a home health aid for assistance. Caregivers spend about $5,500 a year on out- of-pocket care needs, a sum that bites deeply into those with fixed


incomes.


Although caregivers feel compassion and love for their family members, they are often torn between sacrificing their own hobbies, financial needs, and even future savings to provide in-home care, and in some cases to avoid a move to residential long-term care. Many caregivers report getting injured while carrying out caregiving tasks and becoming exhausted and drained at the end of the day. Though it's critical to find respite care and financial help, achieving


CARE E-MAGAZINE: SPRING 2013


CAREGIVING FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENTS REQUIRES LOVE AND STAMINA


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35