Multiple Sclerosis care | Secure Healthcare Solutions

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a range of symptoms like fatigue, difficulty walking, and vision problems. MS can make daily life challenging for both patients and their families. Effective Multiple Sclerosis care and MS support services are essential for managing these symptoms and improving quality of life.

Living with MS often requires a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and emotional support. Secure Healthcare Solutions offers comprehensive support for Multiple Sclerosis, helping patients and families cope with the condition. In this blog, we will discuss what MS is, its different types, its impact on patients and families, available management strategies, and how Secure Healthcare Solutions provides tailored care to those in need.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, balance problems, and vision issues. The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

MS affects each person differently, with symptoms varying in type and severity. Some may experience mild symptoms, while others may face more severe challenges that impact daily life. Effective Multiple Sclerosis care focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and providing support to help patients live a fuller life.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

There are four main types of Multiple Sclerosis, each with its own pattern of progression and symptoms. Understanding these types is crucial for choosing the right MS management strategies and care.

Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type, affecting around 85% of people diagnosed with MS. It is characterised by clear episodes of new or worsening symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions). During remission, symptoms may improve or even disappear, but they often return or worsen with each relapse.

Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)

Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) often follows an initial phase of RRMS. Over time, the relapsing-remitting pattern becomes less distinct, and the disease steadily worsens without distinct relapses or remissions. SPMS may lead to increased disability, and managing this phase focuses on slowing progression and managing symptoms.

Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)

Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) is less common, affecting about 10-15% of people with MS. It is characterised by a gradual worsening of symptoms from the onset, without early relapses or remissions. This type tends to have a more significant impact on mobility, often requiring more complex care services to maintain quality of life.

Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS)

Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS) is the rarest form, where patients experience a steady worsening of symptoms from the beginning, but with occasional acute relapses. Unlike RRMS, there is no period of remission, and symptoms continue to worsen between relapses, making support for Multiple Sclerosis critical in managing its effects.

How Secure Healthcare Solutions Can Help You

Secure Healthcare Solutions offers comprehensive MS support services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual living with MS. From specialised care to practical assistance, our team is dedicated to providing support for Multiple Sclerosis patients and their families.

Tailored Personal Care Support: Our services are flexible, offering visiting care that adapts to your changing needs. This can range from short or long visits to overnight care or even a full-time, live-in carer. We provide personalised Multiple Sclerosis care to ensure comfort and well-being.
Specialist Support: Our team includes trained caregivers who are well-versed in the complexities of MS. They understand the condition’s ins and outs and are always ready to answer any questions or concerns, ensuring you receive knowledgeable MS management strategies.
Assistance with Day-to-Day Tasks: We help with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and mobility. Our focus is on making daily life easier, allowing you to maintain your independence while receiving the support you need.
Emotional, Physical, and Mental Support: Living with MS can be challenging, and we provide emotional support to help you cope with its impact. Our caregivers are trained to offer companionship, motivation, and mental health support to boost your overall well-being.
Support with Tasks Around the House: We assist with light housekeeping, laundry, and other household chores, helping to ease the burden on you and your family. This support ensures a safe and comfortable living environment.
Help Managing Symptoms: Our caregivers help you manage symptoms through medication reminders, mobility support, and coordination with healthcare professionals, providing a holistic approach to Multiple Sclerosis care.

Tips for Families Supporting a Loved One with MS

Supporting a loved one with MS can be challenging, but there are ways to make the journey easier for both the patient and the family. Here are some practical tips to provide effective Multiple Sclerosis care.

Encouraging Independence

Allowing your loved one to maintain independence is vital. Encourage them to do daily tasks themselves, with minimal assistance, to boost their confidence. Use tools or aids that make activities easier and safer. Fostering independence is a key part of MS management strategies, as it promotes a sense of control and dignity while living with MS.

Building a Support Network

Create a strong network of friends, family, and professionals for emotional and practical support. MS support services, including local groups and online communities, can connect you with others who understand your experience. A solid network helps in sharing caregiving responsibilities and finding resources that offer practical support for Multiple Sclerosis.

Self-Care for Family Members

Providing family support for MS can be physically and emotionally taxing, so it’s crucial for caregivers to look after their own health. Take breaks, seek respite care, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Self-care ensures you have the energy and resilience needed for long-term caregiving and helps in managing complex care services effectively.

Conclusion

Living with MS presents many challenges, but with the right Multiple Sclerosis care and MS support services, patients and families can find ways to manage these difficulties and improve their quality of life. Understanding the types of MS, its impact, and the available management strategies is key to providing effective support for Multiple Sclerosis.

Secure Healthcare Solutions offers comprehensive care, personalised to each individual’s needs, helping both patients and families cope better with daily tasks and emotional stress. Reach out today to learn more about our services and how we can support your journey in living with MS.

Secure Healthcare Solutions stands at the forefront of providing comprehensive and tailored care services, particularly in the realm of complex and specialist care. This dynamic company has established itself as a beacon of hope and support for individuals grappling with intricate health challenges. By offering a wide spectrum of services, they cater to various needs ranging from dementia care to complex care nursing, ensuring that every client receives the utmost attention and personalised treatment.

In this blog, we will delve into the specifics of Secure Healthcare Solutions’ offerings, exploring how they navigate the intricacies of complex care and make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.

Exploring Complex and Specialist Care Services

Secure Healthcare Solutions offers a comprehensive range of services to address the diverse and complex healthcare needs of their clients. Their approach is marked by a deep understanding of the unique challenges involved in complex care and a commitment to delivering personalised and high-quality services.

Range of Services Offered

The company’s offerings encompass a wide array of services tailored to meet the needs of those requiring complex care. This includes specialised support for conditions such as dementia, spinal cord injuries, and other chronic health issues. Their services are designed to cater to the multifaceted nature of these conditions, ensuring a holistic approach to care.

Tailoring Care to Individual Needs

At the core of Secure Healthcare Solutions’ ethos is the customization of care to individual needs. They recognize that each patient has a unique set of requirements and circumstances. Their team of experts works closely with clients and their families to develop care plans that are not only medically sound but also attuned to the personal needs and preferences of the individual.

Geographical Reach and Accessibility

Secure Healthcare Solutions is committed to making their services accessible to a broad audience. They have established a strong presence in various locations, ensuring that more people can access their specialised care services. This geographical reach is crucial in providing necessary care to those who may otherwise have limited access to such specialised services.

Understanding Specific Care Types

Secure Healthcare Solutions offers a variety of specialised care services, each tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals with complex health conditions. Their expertise covers a range of care types, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate support.

Care for Neurological Disorders

Secure Healthcare Solutions provides exceptional care for neurological disorders, understanding the unique challenges these conditions pose. Their services are tailored to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. The care team focuses on a holistic approach, addressing physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects. This comprehensive care is crucial for conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease, where specialised attention can significantly impact the patient’s well-being.

Support for Spinal Cord and Acquired Brain Injuries

The care for spinal cord and acquired brain injuries at Secure Healthcare Solutions is characterised by a patient-centric approach. Understanding the profound impact of these injuries, their services focus on rehabilitation and enhancing independence. The care includes physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and emotional support, essential for helping individuals adapt to new challenges and regain as much functionality as possible.

Managing Chronic Conditions like Diabetes and Dementia

Their approach to managing chronic conditions like diabetes and dementia involves a multidimensional care plan. It includes medical management, lifestyle guidance, and continual monitoring to address the evolving nature of these conditions. The goal is to provide patients with not just medical care but also support in daily living, ensuring they maintain the highest quality of life possible.

Palliative Care

Palliative care at Secure Healthcare Solutions is provided with the utmost compassion and respect for the patient’s dignity. Focused on alleviating pain and other distressing symptoms, the care extends beyond physical relief to include emotional and spiritual support. Tailored to individual needs, this service ensures that patients and their families receive comprehensive, empathetic care during life’s most challenging moments.

Additional Services

In addition to their specialised care for complex health conditions, Secure Healthcare Solutions offers a range of additional services. These services include providing tailored support for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health conditions. They also offer bespoke care for children and young people, recognizing the unique challenges faced by younger individuals with health needs. These additional services underline their commitment to comprehensive, inclusive care, catering to a wide spectrum of healthcare requirements across different age groups and health conditions.

Conclusion

Secure Healthcare Solutions epitomises excellence in providing complex and specialist care, catering to a diverse range of healthcare needs. Their commitment to personalised care, combined with their wide geographical reach, ensures that each individual receives the best possible support. From managing chronic conditions to offering palliative care and additional services for various age groups and health challenges, they stand as a testament to compassionate, comprehensive healthcare. Their dedication not only enhances the quality of life for their clients but also serves as a model for healthcare providers everywhere.

When it comes to diabetes, one of the best ways to live with and manage it, is to research and improve your knowledge. With more knowledge comes a better understanding and recognition of how to improve your quality of life. Diabetes doesn’t just affect a small part of you, it can affect your whole body. There is so much research out there it can get overwhelming so teaching yourself in small chunks is key. Due to this, we have put together a guide of 5 small tips for living with and managing diabetes. These tips are just the basics but it’s always good to have a refresh, especially if you are newly diagnosed. We are also on hand for your diabetes care and if you find yourself asking “where can I find diabetes care near me?” we are on hand to help.

Knowledge Is Power

Understanding and educating yourself about diabetes can make the process a lot less stressful. Although they are complicated diseases, do not be scared to read up about them and to learn more. Try to listen to podcasts, read books and watch tv shows about it. The more you actively try to learn, the more you will take in and the more you will understand. Many experts will be able to give you tips and tricks to make the process of living with diabetes as straightforward as possible.

Be Active

Along with helping with your diabetes, exercise has many other benefits such as reducing your stress levels, increasing your muscle mass and losing weight. Throughout the week, try and set a target of exercising three times. Vary these exercises with strength training to increase your muscle strength and cardio exercises like fast walking or running. There are many apps that you can download which will help you stick to a target or support your exercise journey. If you are at an unhealthy weight, by losing this you will find it easier to manage your diabetes. Your diabetes care team can also help with this.

Photo by PhotoMIX Company from Pexels

Everybody Is Different

Always follow the professional advice given but remember everybody is different. What works for someone may not work for you, and that is alright. Some of the advice given may not work but don’t feel down and stressed about it. Try other experts advice and you may find that works perfectly. No-one knows your body better than you, so don’t put much pressure on yourself.

Eat Smaller Portions But More Often

When suffering from diabetes it is advised you eat small meals throughout the day instead of eating the standard three larger meals. The reason for this is that by eating smaller but more often can help regulate your blood sugar levels easier. Make sure you have a good diet at this will help in many ways from improving digestion to reducing tiredness.

Make a plan

Listen to the experts and make a plan with them to help manage your diabetes. By leaning on your diabetes educator, they will help assist you with improving your diet and how to get active. Try to work with your educator to make your plan realistic and achievable, that way you have the motivation to stick with it. Our team at Secure Health Care solution will help you with your plan, supporting you with meal plans, shopping for your ingredients and managing everyday symptoms like hunger, amongst other things.

If you are looking for diabetes care near you, we are on hand to help. Get in touch today and find diabetes care near you.

We also have a range of home care jobs including looking after diabetes care. Look at our current healthcare job roles here.

As you get older you tend to not move around so much and your joints and muscles can weaken. Elderly people can suffer from poorer eyesight, pain when you move, and reduced coordination – all of which might be the reason that you can no longer get around as you once did. This is why it is important to partake in physiotherapy to help battle this. Physiotherapy is often thought of as something to keep athletes in shape, but the reality is that it can help anybody at any time.

It is essentially the process of improving the movement and function of your body and anyone can benefit from it. When setting up a care plan for yourself or a loved one, it is a good idea to speak to the carer about physiotherapy options and how this can be integrated with the plan at hand. Home carers can work with or liaise with physiotherapists to ensure you get the care that you need. Here are some top benefits of including physiotherapy in care plans for the elderly.

What will a physiotherapist do?

– Find out about any falls at home or concerns you might have
– Decide the best approach to tackle this
– Work on strength and balance
– Show the patient how to do some exercises on their own to strengthen muscles at any time

How can physiotherapy in care plans for the elderly help?

It can improve mobility

When deciding care plans for the elderly, the aim needs to be on making their life as comfortable and independent as can be. By doing physiotherapy it improves your mobility and can enable you to walk around the house better, doing more things on your own.

It is a safe way to exercise

When you get older you might not be able to just pop out for a game of tennis or a job as and when you feel like it. Yet that doesn’t mean you don’t want to do some exercise – particularly if you used to be into fitness. Physiotherapy is a safe and risk-free way of getting a bit of exercise into a daily routine. You will be assigned small exercises that are within your capabilities and will be overseen by a carer or physiotherapist.

It can reduce the chances of a fall

A fall is a scary thing for both the person involved and their loved ones. One in three people over 65 have a fall each year and 10-25% suffer a serious injury from this. By partaking in physiotherapy and improving strength and balance, this helps to reduce the chances of a fall and therefore be much safer around the home.

It can aid with recovery

Home care plans for the elderly aid with recovery as soon as possible. If you have just returned from the hospital due to injury or something such as a stroke, physiotherapy can help you regain strength and mobility. Your physiotherapist will put you on a plan tailored to your needs. If you are coming out of the hospital and won’t be able to do things at home like you normally would, we can provide emergency care at home to help.

These are just a few things that a physiotherapist will do to help with home care plans for the elderly.

To find out more about our home care plans or our home care vacancies, please get in touch.

We are celebrating nutrition and hydration week to highlight the importance of nutrition and hydration within the healthcare sector.

Nutrition and hydration are very important, particularly for the older generation. Not consuming enough food and not being hydrated can cause fragile skin and bones, dizziness, headaches and feel weak, increased risk of infections, falls, kidney problems, and many other problems.

It essential that we provide our patients a nutritious well-balanced diet and ensure our patients are hydrated on a consistent basis, our healthcare staff ensures our patients healthy and energized.

Secure healthcare work closely with chefs at care/nursing homes and home care patients to assist and support to ensure individuals receive nutritious tasty meals and make sure our patients are hydrated.

It is important to have a well-balanced diet that is nutritious and that you remain hydrated, as your long term health is likely to be impacted if you are not doing this, whether that is if you are not eating enough or if you are eating fatty foods such as pizza, cheese, fast food meals, etc. Having a well-balanced nutritious diet and staying hydrated will ensure you are energized throughout the day and you will be much healthier.

The British Nutrition Foundation highlights that one-third of our diet should be made up of fruit and vegetables. A portion of fruit and vegetables is 80grams and it is important to have 5 portions to contribute towards your 5-a-day.

Fruit and vegetables are important to contribute towards your vitamins and minerals, to ensure a healthy well-balanced diet, and reduce nutritional deficiencies. Fruit can be a good way to start your day, eating a banana full of, high in sugar and fiber will give you great morning energy, also it vital to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the day to ensure you have a nutritious diet.

High fiber fruit and vegetables are good for the digestive system, to remove waste more efficiently. Eating a diet with fiber can reduce blood cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease, bowel cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Click here to find out more about different fruit and vegetables nutritious information

Protein

Is it essential that you have a diet that has your daily protein intake to fuel your energy and to help you repair your body cells and make new ones? For adults it is recommended to take an average of 0.8g of protein per kilogram body weight per day, for example, if you weigh 75kg, you would need 60grams of protein per day. If you work out having 20-30grams of extra protein after workout out is important, to repair your muscles.

Some high protein foods per (100g) include: Chicken breast (28g), Salmon (20g), Cheese (25g), Red lentils (7.6g), Chickpeas (8.4g), Oatmeal (11.2g), Almonds (21.1g)

Hydrate your body

Ensure that your drink enough water throughout the day to make sure you are hydrated. Hot drinks often tend to cause dehydration, therefore it is important that you drink water throughout the day. In the UK it is recommended that adults have 1600ml of fluid (women) and 2000ml of fluid (men), approximately 6-8 glasses a day. For those that do not drink enough, you will feel dehydrated, you will become thirsty, urine will become darker in colour, and will notice a stronger smell, you may also experience headaches, feeling dizzy and tired, and finding it difficult to concentrate.

Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins required throughout the year for the human body to feel energized throughout the year. This vitamin relies on a large amount of exposure to sunlight and is known as the sunshine vitamin. The limited sunshine in the UK results in a lot of the UK being deficient in vitamin D, particularly during the winter months, also the BAME community is at increased risk of lower levels of vitamin D, as darker skin absorbs far less vitamin D than lighter skin.

The main factors likely to increase being affected by Vitamin D deficiency include:

Living in a country where there is a limited amount of sun exposure all year round
Having darker skin, less likely to absorb vitamin D
Spending a lot of time indoors
Lacking a diet rich in vitamin D foods
Being Obese
Elderly

Approximately 1 in 5 people have low vitamin D in the UK. There have been several studies reported that those who lack vitamin D are more likely to experience more severe Covid 19 symptoms. Studies carried out indicate that individuals lacking vitamin D are more likely to die with Covid 19. It is particularly important for individuals low in Vitamin D to take vitamin supplements and eat foods rich in vitamin D.

Symptoms of low Vitamin D

Bone and muscle pain
Fatigue and tiredness
Hair Loss
Reoccurring bacterial and viral infections
Feeling depressed and mood changes

What to do if you feel you have Vitamin D deficiency?

If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above and you feel you have a vitamin D deficiency, we strongly encourage you to speak with your doctor to arrange a blood test to check your vitamin D levels.

The NHS recommends adults take a vitamin supplement throughout the year. The recommended dosage is 400 IU (10ug per day), as it not possible to achieve sufficient levels of vitamin D through a diet alone. If your vitamin D level is very low, your doctor is likely to write you a stronger dose of vitamin D.

Fair-skinned people should spend 15-20 minutes per day in the sun, particularly in the spring and summer, to avoid vitamin D deficiency all year, during the winter period vitamin D will from coming from your diet and vitamin D supplements.

Darker-skinned people’s exposure to sunlight should be 20-40 minutes due to being unable to absorb sunlight as effectively as lighter skin colors.
Food which contains vitamin D includes:

Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout

Red meat
Cod liver oil
Orange Juice
Egg Yolks
Fortified cereals, dairy, and milk
Mushrooms

Secure Healthcare Solutions recommends to find out more about vitamin D deficiency, visit the NHS using the link below.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

Dysphagia is a condition that means it is hard to swallow food or liquid. Not only is this distressing in itself, but if the person it is impacting is not eating it can lead to serious problems such as malnutrition, pneumonia or dehydration. This is why it is so important to try and assist with this as soon as possible. Some of the main conditions which could lead to dysphagia include Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, a stroke, head injury and cancer, particularly cancer of the oesophagus. Often, medical conditions such as the above, can cause the nerves or muscles in the throat to become weak or not work properly, making it difficult to swallow food and drink.

What are the symptoms of dysphagia?

If you have dysphagia you could have difficulty swallowing certain liquids or foods, cough or choke when drinking or eating, bring food back up and be unable to chew food properly.

What does a nutritious diet include?

A nutritious diet will keep the body and mind healthy, strong and in the best state possible. A nutritious diet should consist of the following:
Carbohydrates – Found in foods like pasta, bread, cereals and rice

Healthy fats – Healthy fats are present in dairy, butter and oil
Protein – Protein can be found in pulses, nuts, meat, eggs and fish
Vitamins and minerals – Different vitamins and minerals are found in different foods. For example, Vitamin C is present in citrus fruits, Iron in meat, poultry and beans and Vitamin A in vegetables such as carrots and kale.
Fluids – Water is best for the body to keep you hydrated

How to help someone with dysphagia swallow their food and drink

There are a number of different tips and methods for people with dysphagia and it is a good idea to try different techniques and see what works best for the individual. These are just a few things you can try to help your loved one.

Encourage them to sit upright, relax and take their time with chewing small, manageable pieces of food
Have more frequent, smaller meals and snacks rather than three large meals in a day
Eat soft foods that are easy on the throat, such as soup or yoghurt
Mash up food that is not naturally soft, or finely chop it so it is easy to manage. This can include meat, vegetables and fruit
Cook food until it becomes tender. This includes cooking rice or vegetables for longer to ensure they are soft and easier to swallow
Make smoothies or shakes. Instead of trying to help them to eat an apple or banana, why not put them together in a blender and make them into a smoothie? You can add milk to make it easier to swallow. You could also add in some protein powder to ensure they are getting enough protein for their body
Use plenty of gravy and sauce to help food go down easier
Avoid foods that are too salty, dry, sticky or have pips in as these can all be difficult to swallow
Take small sips of water or another drink between mouthfuls. Make sure these are small sips. If not, you might get full of water

How to decide what to make
There are also a host of recipe books out there which are specifically designed for dysphagia and if you need help with swallowing. No matter if you are suffering from swallowing and need help with Parkinson’s care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Stroke Care, head injury care and cancer care, there are some great resources to help. You could also try looking on Pinterest. Speak to the individual who is impacted and ask what foods they fancy. You can then put together a plan and some recipes based on this.

Remember that each individual is different and that some techniques might work better than others. Communicate with the individual and see what they feel comfortable with trying.

If you have someone coming in to help with the care of your loved one with Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, a stroke, head injury, cancer or anything else that can cause dysphagia, be sure to voice any questions you might have. We have a range of home care health professionals who can help. Find out more about how we can help with Parkinson’s care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Stroke Care, head injury care and cancer care as well as our other services here.