Tips for Muscular Dystrophy Patients Choosing a Personal Care Assistant

Muscular Dystrophy is a progressive disease that has no cure, and the outcome for most is generally the same. Most that are diagnosed with MD will end up in a wheelchair at some point in their lives. This isn’t a death sentence however, with the right therapies, support and adaptations to cater to the needs of the disease, many are able to live with the challenges that come with it. Though, many patients need outside support and resources to help them with their daily routine. One of the best methods to help those with MD is using a personal care assistant.

There is no cure for muscular dystrophy and it is a progressive disease. Generally, the outcome for most is the same. Many of the patients diagnosed with this condition, at some point in their life end up being on the wheelchair.  Many are able to live with the challenges with the help of right therapies, support and adaptations. Though many for their daily routine may need outside support. But for people with MD, using a personal care assistant would be one of the best methods.

Choosing a personal care assistant

Through the employment of a personal care assistant, patient with MD can lead a life as independent as possible.  A family member or a professional can be employed. However, some guidelines should be followed. Through an agency employ someone. This will save the patient from any harm caused by someone in their home.

Level of medical care

The level of medical care will be determined by the type of assistant chosen. A nursing professional might be needed if the patient needs help with dispensing and taking medications. A medical assistant will be likely needed if the patient is capable of administering their own medications.

Interview

It is important that a trusted friend or family member should be included in the initial interview while employing through an agency a personal care assistant. Sometimes patients are eager to be independent in their routine. At such times a person from outside will be able to judge better who needs to be employed. The needs of the patient should be encouraged by the family member or friend during the first weeks. This is to make sure that they are not being taken advantage of and are being addressed properly. Particularly for a patient who is in the advanced stage of the disease, this is especially important. In such cases the patient might be bed-bound or on a wheelchair or may have speaking difficulties.

Mobility knowledge

The personal care assistant should know how to lift the patient safely and move them in such as way so as to not cause any injury. If wheelchair is being used, then they should know how to attach to a wheelchair.  Also it should be made clear to the personal care assistance what services are expected from them such as taking a bath, with respect to mobility or creating light meals.

Living with a personal care assistant

The patient will find that as the disease progresses to complete simplest of tasks help is needed.  These tasks can be made easier by the personal care assistant and for a patient that may be home bound, the tasks can be made easier. Although this disease is difficult to navigate but with lifestyle modifications and help this can be made easier.

Muscular dystrophy causes the muscles to become weak and over a period of time they fail. It is a group of genetic disorders. They are of different types.  In this condition there is a problem with the gene that creates a protein that controls the muscle functions.