33 msfocusmagazine.org • Is there a teen in your church’s youth group who would be willing to weed your lawn for a small fee? While it may feel awkward to ask, many people are happy to help. Doing so can also bring you closer to friends, neighbors, and others in your community. Or you can find helpers for hire from sites like takl.com or Amazon Home Services. You can locate people, all ofwhom have undergone background checks, to do tasks like cleaning your house, mowing your lawn, organizing your garage, or making minor repairs. The jobs are pre-priced and both sites offer satisfaction guarantees. You can also look for ways to maintain your independence longer.Ifyouarehavingproblems with routine activities – such as grooming, household chores, or driving – your doctor can refer you to an occupational therapist. These specialists can help you rehabilitate the skills you have lost, find new ways to accomplish tasks, or introduce you to helpful tools that can make daily activities easier. Choose wisely When the time comes that you do need assistance with your care, carefully consider what type of care and what providers you will use. • If you have private long-term care insurance or Medicaid, review your benefits and see which services are covered and under what conditions. • Know your rights and responsibilities as a person who is a recipient of professional care. Insurers and providers will generally give you this information upon request. • If you have a choice of homecare agencies or aides, check references. • When selecting a residential facility, read reviews, check with state agencies for complaints, and tour the facility yourself, if possible. Those without family support are more vulnerable to potential abuse in long-term care situations. This is especially the case if you are experiencing cognitive or communication impairment because ofyourMS. Discuss these issues with trusted friends or a designated advocate. Have a plan in place to evaluate your well-being and the quality of your care. Finally, don’t allow yourself to become isolated. Though you may have reached the point where you spend most of your time at home or in a care facility, you still have the ability to reach out: • Invite a friend over to play a game of cards. • Call a neighbor to ask how they are doing. • Join an online support group. • Write cards and letters to soldiers overseas. • Get to know your caregivers and offer them some friendly conversation. Just because you may need greater care doesn’t mean you don’t have care to offer in return. To learn more about the factors involved in preparing for, paying for, and using long- term care, visit longtermcare.gov. The earlier you seek appropriate levels of assistance, the longer you will likely be able stay in your home.