The Chapter recognizes the needs of people who have MS and reside in long term care facilities. They are often younger than the typical geriatric population that live in nursing homes and they require more social interaction, more intellectual stimulation and more attention to their physical needs.
Although long term care facility residents with MS are eligible for all of the Chapter programs and services, the Chapter provides a concentrated effort at reaching out to this underserved population. Programs have been developed specifically to meet their needs. The programs are looked upon favorably by the participants and often tell the Chapter staff that they “look forward to the next one!” A brief description of each outreach event is described below:
- Nursing Home Luncheon – The Chapter offers a luncheon for residents of nursing homes who have MS that live in the northern part of the Chapter. Residents are treated to lunch in a lovely hotel, entertainment, and most importantly, a chance to socialize with residents from other long term care facilities. Transportation is provided if necessary.
- Educational Teleconference Calls – The Chapter sponsors four educational conference calls per year. Topics are chosen by nursing home residents and presented by professionals in the field. Some topics covered in past include: bowel and bladder control, Vitamin D research, depression and spasticity.
- “Day Out” Program – This program gives assistance to any residents in long term care who wish to spend a day with their family or out in the community. The Chapter will provide financial assistance for transportation, equipment needs, home health aides, etc. Holidays at home and birthday and anniversary celebrations are examples of occasions that families want to spend time together, away from the long term care facility.
- E-Mail List – the Chapter maintains an e-mail list for residents who want to communicate with people in other facilities. The Chapter sends monthly e-mail blasts including information about current research trends and other important information to the people on this list.
- In-Service Education –The Chapter is available to provide in-service education to long term care facility staff and home health agency staff about multiple sclerosis. This program is valuable to the participants as they realize there are differences between the MS resident and the typical geriatric resident.
To receive more information about any of these programs contact the Chapter at 800-344-4867 or generalmailbox@nmss.org.