Caring for someone with a chronic illness like MS can be deeply satisfying. Spouses and partners, family, and friends can be drawn more closely together by their shared concerns and collaborative efforts. But caregiving can also be physically and emotionally exhausting, particularly for the primary caregiver. While this is most often a partner or spouse, the primary caregiver may also be an adult child, parent, or friend. Whoever you are, remember that paying attention to your own health and well-being is essential to being able to care for someone else.
While younger children sometimes assume major responsibilities when a parent has disability due to MS, they should never be called upon to provide a parent’s personal care. Call the National MS Society (1-800-344-4867) if you need help identifying caregiving resources in your community.
For more information about caregivers, click here.