My mom is at the end phase of MS. It got to the point she needed to be in a nursing home because of need for round the clock care. Dementia set in from all the brain lesions that occur with MS.

I would look into things that are fairly low tech. Does she have problems with eye sight or her hands? I have been looking for a cell phone that is low tech with large buttons. My mom is almost to the point that the nurses must dial and work her phone.

Good luck OP. MS is just terrible!

OP here. Thank you, PP.

I am sorry your mother had this God-awful disease. Thank you for reaching out to offer kind, helpful words. My mom has declined rapidly in the past year. Prior to that she did exceptionally well for 30 years! It is hard not knowing how fast things will progress from here on out. It is hard watching her, knowing she knows what is happening. It is just hard.

Again, thanks.

My mother had very severe MS. You need an aide. Better to find a good one now and help preserve everyone's energy bc things will only become more difficult. My mother went from walking with a cane to bed bound (she could get out with the help of an aide into a very complicated wheelchair for about an hour before becoming too exhausted) within about 5 years. Other than that my best advice is to be kind to yourself, to your mom and to everyone else involved. This is hard stuff.

I wish I could remember more but I know there is software that will type what you say. That became something very helpful. Also all sorts of special utensils and cups to make self feeding easier. When it was possible my mom also enjoyed going to 'physical therapy' at a gym that had a lift onto the pool and special trainers. Its not PT in the sense that its really going to bring function back but it was enjoyable to get out of the house. Also…whatever she can do now, do it. If she can go out to eat, eat out with her. If she can do a short vacation, take her. Little things that don't mean that much right now may not be possible in the future but again I think the most important thing is to take it easy on yourself and everyone involved so if this is going to cause stress don't do it. Wishing you both the best!

OP here. Thank you for taking the time to respond and for such helpful suggestions. These have been difficult, overwhelming days and I truly appreciate the kindness.

I will definitely be following up on the ideas mentioned here. Thank you again.

OP I am sorry about your mom. I second a professional evaluating her home and her needs especially ADL's. I would assume your mom would be assigned a nurse case manager from the insurance company? She could assist managing her care and services, home health aides etc.

Anonymous wrote:My elderly parent has recently transitioned from Relapsing-Remitting MS into Secondary-Progressive. Basically, her condition is deteriorating and is going to continue. She is losing control of her body.

All of my life, my mom was an adventurer, a traveller, and always on the go. This week, she had to relinquish her Driver's License. It has been devastating.

We try to make sure someone is always with her but the reality is, it's not always possible. I am trying to find ways to keep her feeling connected and intellectually engaged.

I've been considering a tablet and the Amazon Echo but she is overwhelmed by technology. Maybe worth a shot though. Does anyone in a similar situation have any advice or a list of "Must Haves" to make her life easier/more comfortable?

It's time to hire a home health aide/ CNA who can be with her when family can't be.

You might also get a senior adviser to come out and evaluate her home situation in terms of mobility and things which will help keep her safe, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Also, depending on where she lives find out about para-transit, door-to-door service and see if it operates to take one to visit friends or family members as well as to activities. If she could take it safely, then encourage her to do so as able.

Also, based on your Mom's interests, you might help her define some places and things she would like to still do. Check out the library to see if there are any day-time book clubs or possibly other interest groups. Same thing with close by senior centers or possibly a church if she is involved. If she is a member of a faith community, see if there are any options for her to join a day time bible study or other group through there. Then, based upon what is out there for her, perhaps you could see if it it would be possible for you to get her there one way and give her cab money if the para-transit does not work out.

With MS, it is also probably time to talk to a senior navigator person in your area on what services will be available as needed in home if she wishes to remain there and/or to also look at assisted living and tiered options and the cost of each. Aging brings changes we will all have to deal with in time so having the information ahead of time will only benefit you and well as your Mom because as you indicated her needs could increase suddenly for support.

Recorded books and television programs such as those on PBS, The History Channel, The Travel Channel ,and National Geographic? NPR radio. She can listen to free online lectures with an iPad, music etc. CDs of her favorite music? I have Meals On Wheels for my dad, and they sit and talk to him a bit. Encourage friends and family to visit. An emergency alert necklace for emergencies.

My elderly parent has recently transitioned from Relapsing-Remitting MS into Secondary-Progressive. Basically, her condition is deteriorating and is going to continue. She is losing control of her body.

All of my life, my mom was an adventurer, a traveller, and always on the go. This week, she had to relinquish her Driver's License. It has been devastating.

We try to make sure someone is always with her but the reality is, it's not always possible. I am trying to find ways to keep her feeling connected and intellectually engaged.

I've been considering a tablet and the Amazon Echo but she is overwhelmed by technology. Maybe worth a shot though. Does anyone in a similar situation have any advice or a list of "Must Haves" to make her life easier/more comfortable?