According to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, there are more than 150,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in the UK. This lifelong condition can interfere with an individual’s independence, causing mobility issues, and visual impairment. For these reasons, living alone at home can become challenging and many people with multiple sclerosis feel the need to reach out for help.
However, struggling alone doesn’t mean that people with this condition should turn to care home facilities as their only resort. There is another way which allows individuals to remain in the home they love. Specialised live-in care geared towards assisting those living with multiple sclerosis can help them with activities of everyday living that might be more difficult.
Country Cousins’ live-in disability care covers a range of conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, that affect movement, balance, coordination, and strength, alongside offering support for psychological symptoms.
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a result of the immune system attacking the brain and nerves, for reasons that are still unknown. This continuous damage scars the myelin sheath, and possibly also the nerves underneath, causing disruption to the signals travelling along the nerves.
Although it can be treated, there is currently no cure for this autoimmune condition. Multiple sclerosis is typically diagnosed in individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, however, it can develop at any age. Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with this condition.
Depending on the type of multiple sclerosis an individual has, the symptoms may appear in phases or gradually worsen over time. This condition can lead to a reduced life expectancy among sufferers. Complications caused by severe multiple sclerosis, such as chest or bladder infections, or swallowing difficulties, can be life threatening. Although this condition affects individuals in different ways, the most commonly presenting symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Difficulty walking or moving around
- Problems with vision problems
- Loss of bladder control
- Experiencing numbness or tingling in various parts of the body
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Cognitive issues
What are the costs of MS
Depending on the type of multiple sclerosis care you choose, care costs can vary. As multiple sclerosis is categorised as disability care or complex care, the costs for supporting individuals with this condition tend to be higher.
Multiple sclerosis at home care
Varying between different care providers, home care typically costs in the region of £1,100 and £2000. As multiple sclerosis affects people in different ways, the final fees will vary depending on the level of support an individual needs. They may require 24-hour care, or overnight care cover in addition to live-in disability care. On the other hand, if an individual only finds certain aspects of daily living challenging, standard live-in care may suffice.
Costs of visiting care services
If the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are mild and manageable, you may decide to opt for visiting or hourly care. Visiting care involves a carer checking in at pre-arranged times during the day or week to help with specific tasks. This form of care includes a small callout charge in addition to a typical cost of around £30 per hour. The hourly rate may increase with the level of expertise of the carer, with more specialised multiple sclerosis carers charging higher rates. However, as the symptoms progress, a more substantial form of care may be required.
Costs of care homes
A standard level of care in a care home facility can typically cost around £1,200. Whilst accommodation and bills are included as part of the service, specialised one-to-one multiple sclerosis care would incur an additional charge. Therefore, whilst care homes seem economical, this is dependent on the level of specialist care an individual requires.
Paying for MS Treatment and Care
The question surrounding who pays for care is dependent on the financial circumstances of the individual needing care. Firstly, undergoing a care needs assessment is advised. This is a service offered to everyone for free. After the individual’s care needs have been established, a means test will determine whether financial assistance is available to them or not. If eligible, there are a few funding options to look into.
Local authority funding
Available through your local authority, eligibility for adult social care funding is evaluated through a care needs assessment and a means test. The care needs assessment assesses what kind of support an individual requires. Whereas the means test calculates capital assets, income, and additional properties an individual does not currently occupy. This evaluates how much an individual can pay towards their own care and how much financial support they may require.
In order to apply for local authority funding, you can contact your GP and await referral to the adult services department. You can also apply online. Take a look at this NHS guide and find your local council.
Healthcare funding
NHS Continuing Healthcare funding is another option, offering financial assistance for individuals with complex care needs. The NHS may be able to provide free care for those requiring ongoing support due to a disability or long-term illness, such as multiple sclerosis.
NHS Continuing Healthcare is not means tested and is determined on the type and severity of the health condition an individual is living with. During the application process, an individual’s needs will be categorised as low, moderate, high, severe, or priority. They will be eligible for support if they have at least one priority or more than one severe need.
Benefit entitlements
Aside from care funding, there are also certain benefits elderly adults may be entitled to. However, these benefits hinge on an individual’s financial circumstances, as well as their need for substantial support in daily life. From Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those under state retirement age, to Attendance Allowance for individuals who have reached retirement age, it is worth investigating benefit entitlements further.
For more information on eligibility for financial assistance, take a look at our finance and funding guide.
How Country Cousins can help
Multiple sclerosis can be a challenging condition to live with, whether symptoms flare up in phases or grow progressively worse. Having the right care plan in place is an ideal way to ensure that your loved one can experience quality of life and feel fully supported. At Country Cousins, our disability care services are designed to manage more complex conditions such as multiple sclerosis, with expertise.
With more than 60 years of experience, you can trust us to help you or your loved one find a suitable carer to provide live-in disability care at home. To find out more, download our informative live-in care brochure, to help you better understand this service.
Talk to our team today
If you require live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 244 706. should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
