An initial diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can feel overwhelming. Adjusting to a new way of life often brings a range of emotional and physical challenges — not only for the person diagnosed, but also for those closest to them.
As the condition progresses, routines may need to be adapted, and the support required can become more involved. It’s important to recognise the impact this may have on everyone involved and to seek ways to manage both the care needs of your loved one and your own wellbeing.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects everyone differently. Symptoms can vary not only from person to person, but also from day to day — making it difficult to predict how your loved one may feel or function at any given time. This unpredictability can make planning and routine a challenge.
Despite this, establishing a flexible daily structure where possible can bring a sense of normality and comfort. Small routines can help provide stability in an otherwise changeable condition.
Understanding MS and the symptoms it presents is essential. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to offer meaningful support and to empathise with what your loved one may be experiencing.
Living with MS doesn’t just affect physical health — it can deeply impact emotional wellbeing too. There is no set pattern for how someone might process their diagnosis or changes in their capabilities, and emotions can shift over time.
Your loved one may experience:
Grief for the life they once had
Denial or anger around their diagnosis
Anxiety about the future
Depression or mood swings as the condition progresses
These emotional responses are completely natural and deserve as much attention as physical symptoms. Acknowledging the emotional side of MS — and seeking appropriate mental health support when needed — is a vital part of holistic care.
MS can make everyday tasks more difficult. Common challenges include:
Fatigue and low energy levels
Muscle weakness and stiffness
Poor balance and coordination
These symptoms can make even simple routines — like getting dressed, cooking, or moving around the home — feel exhausting. Fortunately, there are practical ways to support daily life, such as:
Mobility aids, including walking frames or canes
Grab rails and bath seats to support safer movement at home
Adjustments to routines, allowing for rest and energy conservation
For older individuals or those with more advanced symptoms, live-in care can be a transformative solution. A professional carer living in the home can provide round-the-clock assistance — from help with personal care and mobility to preparing meals, running errands, or handling domestic tasks.
This level of support allows individuals to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home while maintaining as much independence as possible.
“Dulcie, now 102, lives with her son Colin, his wife Mary, and their live-in carer, Sarah. After being diagnosed with dementia, Dulcie required full-time support — but the family wanted to avoid a care home. Finding the right live-in care gave Dulcie the independence she cherished and brought peace of mind to her family. Sarah’s presence has not only improved Dulcie’s quality of life but has also brought calm and balance to their household.”
While every individual’s journey with MS or another long-term condition is different, compassionate and consistent care can have a truly positive impact — on both the person receiving care and their loved ones.
As Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progresses, it can affect the nerves that control the bladder, leading to a range of urinary symptoms. These may include:
An overactive bladder, with frequent or sudden urges to urinate
Incontinence or difficulty controlling urination
Discomfort or difficulty when passing urine
If your loved one is experiencing bladder issues, it’s important to seek support. An MS nurse or GP can offer advice, recommend appropriate medications, and suggest techniques or aids to help manage symptoms more comfortably and discreetly.
Chronic pain is a common and often distressing part of living with MS. It can take many forms, including:
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) – intense facial pain caused by nerve irritation
The ‘MS hug’ – a tightening or burning sensation around the torso, often triggered by changes in temperature or even gentle touch
Muscle cramps, spasms, twitches, and general nerve pain
Understanding pain triggers can be helpful in managing flare-ups. Healthcare professionals can advise on medications, as well as physical therapies to ease discomfort. In some cases, simple strategies such as wearing loose-fitting clothing or applying hot and cold packs can bring temporary relief.
Caring for someone with MS can be deeply rewarding — but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. Supporting a loved one while also managing your own responsibilities can take its toll.
It’s vital to look after your own wellbeing, too:
Take regular breaks and give yourself permission to rest
Don’t hesitate to ask for help or explore respite care
Prioritise good nutrition, sleep, and emotional support
Remember: caring for yourself allows you to care better for others
There is no shame in needing a break or seeking additional support — it’s a necessary part of sustainable caregiving.
When MS symptoms become more advanced, or when families need extra support, live-in care can be a life-changing option. A professional carer living in the home provides continuous, compassionate support — helping your loved one stay safe, independent, and comfortable in familiar surroundings.
A live-in carer can assist with:
Personal care routines (washing, dressing, continence care)
Household tasks and meal preparation
Mobility support and fall prevention
Medication reminders and symptom monitoring
Emotional support and companionship
This approach not only helps the person living with MS, but also gives families peace of mind and allows time to rest, reconnect, and focus on their own wellbeing.
At Response Care, our live-in carers are specially trained to support individuals living with complex conditions like MS. Each carer is carefully matched to the individual they support, ensuring compassionate, professional care that respects both medical needs and personal preferences.
MS doesn’t have to be faced alone. With the right care, support, and understanding, your loved one can continue to live with dignity, comfort, and a sense of independence.
