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Multiple Sclerosis Carer

Are You a Carer of Somebody with Multiple Sclerosis?

Knowing someone with MS may mean that you find yourself in a new role as a carer. This role, although vital to many people, has its own problems and difficulties.

In the UK there are 6.8 million adults who give their time and care on an unpaid basis to friends, family or neighbours otherwise unable to manage without their carer’s help. Many spend more than twenty hours a week on caring tasks and are often the main support for the person they are looking after (usually a spouse or partner, or son or daughter, in the same household) (ref L3).

The Carers Speak Out survey, part of the Government’ National Strategy for Carers, asked 3,800 carers about their experience of looking after people. This report showed that: (ref L3)

  • Carers need good sources of information, help and support.
  • Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and other staff, need to recognise the role that carers play. Indeed, four out of ten carers surveyed felt that they had little influence over the services provided.

Taking Care of the Carer

Giving care has its own impact on the carer. The sheer hard work of caring and the effect it can have on the carer’s own physical and mental health can be exhausting. The Carers Speak Out Report found that:  (ref L3)

  • Four out of ten carers have a disability or long-term illness.
  • Eight of ten carers said that their own health was affected by their caring role.
  • Nine out of ten carers reported stress, anxiety, depression or loss of sleep due to their role as a carer .

(A summary of the Carers Speak Out report is available at carers. You can also obtain a copy of the whole report at the same site.)

These ill effects can have a tremendous impact on the carer’s own relationships, whether these are with the person with MS or with other friends or family members. For this reason, it’s vital that carers are occasionally able to take a break. This might be for a couple of hours to go shopping or for a short holiday to recharge their batteries.

The following organisations are good sources of information and support, including short breaks and financial help, for carers.

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You will also find useful information on Living with MS elsewhere on MS Active Source.

Did you know?

How MS affects you will be very different to how it affects someone else.

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Page last updated: 22 Jun 2010

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