b'Symptom Management Navigating Assistive Navigating Assistive Technology as a Technology as a Care PartnerCare PartnerTips to help your loved ones Tips to help your loved ones use assistive devices.use assistive devices.By Nichole GobleEachpersonwithmultiplesclerosisisTalk to the doctor: It is always essential unique, and the kind of support they needthat your loved ones healthcare team is well from us as care partners will be as uniquelyinformed of any changes in symptoms. Suppose based on the type of daily care they need. Asyour loved one has been having vision problems, your loved ones MS progresses, they mayincreased falls, or greater sensitivity to heat. start experiencing mobility issues that requireIn that case, these are all changes you should assistive technology or devices to help themcommunicate at doctor visits, and you should be as safe and independent as possible fromhave a plan to relay changes outside of a visit home, work, or in the community. Although(via phone or e-mail). Your loved ones doctors your role as a care partner will be individualistic,and specialists may suggest/recommend wed like to cover some basics to help you feelspecic devices or provide alternative options. more secure in this aspect of caregiving whileThink of it like medication: One aspect of supporting your loved ones independence.caregiving that many care partners handle is Empathy: This may be a difficult time ofmedications. You may ensure that prescriptions transition for your loved one. Limitations inare lled, medications are taken as prescribed, mobility may bring grief, or even anger, alongand keep a thorough list of past and current with a feeling of losing their independence ormedications in your loved ones patient le. fear that their limitations will only escalate.Mobility and other assistive devices (such as They may be hesitant to use mobility devicesa fan to help address heat sensitivity) function or assistive aids because of this. As a carevery similarly to these medications in addressing partner, listen to their feelings with empathy.symptoms of MS. As a care partner, you may Using shared decision-making practices towant to make sure they are using the device ensure youre working with your loved oneor tech as instructed. You might be responsible toward their needs and wishes can help yourfor ongoing maintenance and care, such as loved one feel reassured they are being heardwho you call when something isnt working or needs to be replaced, how often it needs and prioritized. Giving them the space to shareservicing, or whether there are there wear-and-their concerns and feelings and developing atear things you need to check for regularly. shared plan or approach keeps their needsYou may be responsible for training other and autonomy central. Also, consider helpingcare team members about the device and its them connect with a support group so theycare. Many care partners keep this informa-have a connection with others who may havetion in their loved ones patient le and in a had similar experiences.place that is easy to access and update. msfocusmagazine.org 16'