NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
a balance between taking care of yourself and your loved one requires persistence, patience, and an active support network inside the MS community.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR MS CAREGIVING
As challenging as it is for families who have a loved one with MS, there are also positives, for both adults and children. The Gerber family of Los Angeles is an inspiring example of this. Michael Gerber and his wife, Gail, both 55, have been married for 32 years. Michael was diagnosed with MS in 2004, and has not been able to walk since 2010. Gail no longer works, but provides care for Michael at home, with the assistance of a live-in caregiver. Their two adult children have their own homes but remain part of Michael’s caregiving team.
Though the Gerbers were lucky enough to have generous health insurance before Michael’s diagnosis, they must still be creative to pay for the 24/7 caregiving help necessary for tasks such as
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transitioning Michael to and from his wheelchair.
Despite their challenges, the Gerbers are upbeat, committed to each other, and to maintaining an engaged and active life. They travel together in a modified van and spend a lot of time volunteering with the National MS Society.
“I don’t say Michael has MS, I say we have MS,” stresses Gail, who notes that an MS diagnosis often makes people want to shut down. “That’s when you need to open up — open your heart and open your doors.”
Their strong and ever-growing network of friends, family, and members of the MS community helps them thrive. And Gail’s attitude reflects the recent caregiving survey results that said despite the tensions of caregiving, those who felt it was a choice they took on willingly had more positive feelings overall about their relationships.
TIPS FOR GETTING THE SUPPORT YOU NEED
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