What To Look For in An Assisted Living Facility for Multiple Sclerosis Part 2

May is National Multiple Sclerosis month, and we’d like to take the time to talk about this debilitating disease, as well as what to look for in Arizona for assisted living facilities. In Part 1, we discussed the meaning of Mulitple Sclerosis and the challenges of finding services appropriate for MS patients. In this blog, we’ll discuss what features to look for in an assisted living facility in Arizona. 

Accessibility & Environment

The first thing to look for in a care facility for Multiple Sclerosis patients is that it’s wheelchair-friendly. As patients’ symptoms get worse, mobility is one of the main issues for them to deal with. People need to be able to comfortably navigate an assisted living facility in a wheelchair, but not just in the main part of the house. Bathrooms and bedrooms also need to be wheelchair-friendly. Entrances should have ramps to help MS patients enter and exit homes. 

Another question to look for: Are doorways wide enough for a wheelchair? The minimum clear width of the door frame should be at least 32 inches wide. Even better, look for homes with doorways at least 36 inches wide to make it easier for Multiple Sclerosis patients to maneuver easier throughout the facility.

For bathrooms, look for grab bars, non-slip flooring, and zero-step showers. These showers are made to facilitate movement into the shower with a wheelchair, without worrying about hitting a step and falling. 

Adjustable beds and other adaptive furniture are also important when looking for an assisted living facility in Arizona for Multiple Sclerosis patients.

Personal & Medical Care

Treating and assisting patients with Multiple Sclerosis requires knowledge in how the disease progresses. Look for adult care homes that have staff expierences with MS patients. Are there 24/7 on-call medical professionals, including nursing services? As MS progresses, it can become unpredictable, with a wide range of symptoms that can change rapidly. In case of emergency, whether with a flare-up, fall, or stroke-like episode, it’s crucial to have a medical professional on-call to help out. 

Different types of therapy are necessary to not only treat MS, but to manage day-to-day tasks. Physical therapy is typically what patients start with. As Multiple Sclerosis progresses, speech and occupational therapies may be needed. These can be done on-site, or coordinated by a nurse or doctor to schedule. At Modern Care Homes, those who own or manage the homes on our listings help patients get to medical appointments with trusted providers. 

Medication management is also important to implement in assisted care facilities. Organizing and keeping up with medications for Multiple Sclerosis helps reduce the severity and frequency of relapses, and can help manage symptoms. Early intervention with medications can help with the progression of symptoms like pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, spasicity, and fatigue. There are also medications that help to slow the growth of brain lesions, which are one of the symptoms of MS.

Specialized Support

Patients with Multiple Sclerosis often cite brain fog and memory lapses as one of the most frustrating parts of the onset of the disease. Look for adult care facilities in Arizona that include cognitive support to help those dealing with memory issues. Cognitive issues affect everything from daily tasks to social interactions and quality of life. 

Along with brain fog and memory issues, patients with Multiple Sclerosis also suffer from fatigue and need help with pain management. These greatly impact the quality of life for MS patients, so addressing these issues as soon as possible also impacts their emotional and mental well-being. Pain management includes medication, physical therapy, and psychological support, which take care of managing physical and mental health. 

Nutrition Support 

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help manage common Multiple Sclerosis symptoms like depression, pain, fatigue, and constipation. Proper nutrition also contributes to the management of other symptoms, like heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. One factor of MS is that is an inflammatory disease, and a healthy diet can help with inflammation. Look for adult living facilities with dietitians who can help with meal plans, and for those that can help with feeding assistance. 

Proper nutrition also includes hydration, which is crucial for maintaining good bowel and bladder health, and help with the side effects of medications. Drinking enough water and staying hydrated, especially in Arizona, can also help with fatigue and cognitive issues. For patients that need IV treatments, being hydrated can make it easier to start IV lines. 

It takes diligence, research, and talking to others to find the best place for Multiple Sclerosis patients. At Modern Care Homes, we’re here to answer any questions about the homes we have to offer.