There are a range of care and support options to make life easier to manage if you have advancing multiple sclerosis (MS). The values and emphasis of services should be to help you to be as independent as possible and to give you control over how you are supported.
Needing the support of others and recognising that you have care needs is a difficult thing to come to terms with, whether that is care from a partner, family member or support from a paid person.
Accepting help to manage on a daily basis can be challenging, even if the end result is a better quality of life. Relying on others can be daunting and a loss of independence can be very disempowering. Preparing to accept support to be able to live as independently as possible can have emotional and systemic barriers if you do not know how to navigate the adult social care system.
Accessing the support available from your council or local care services could enable you to have more control in your daily life and maintain as much independence as possible. MS-UK want to make sure that people know where to turn if they need care and support. MS-UK have a webpage all about how to access care. This page covers getting a care needs assessment, what is included in the assessment, the outcomes of the assessment, care costs purchasing and arranging care and more.
‘My Care My Home’ is a charity providing free information and advice to anyone (in England and Wales) who has questions about care. They offer services to help people ‘plan ahead’ which may involve signposting you to specialist independent financial advice from later life specialists.
