b'Be prepared for emergencies: Emergencies, such as damaging weather events or houseAACCaarreeggiivveerrssSSttoorryyres, take us out of our routines. Often, theyCaregiver Action Networks board member, remove us from our homes or areas with accessDawn Shedrick, is a long-time caregiver for to essentials such as food, water, electricity, her mom with progressive MS. She recently and shelter. Suppose your loved one uses adiscussed her caregiving experience: devicesuch as a motorized wheelchair orTwo years after my graduation, my mom oxygen tankthat uses electricity or batterycouldnt walk without the support of a cane. power. Do you have a fully charged backupMy siblings were starting college at that time, or travel battery, and how long will it last? Doso, as the eldest, I shifted my plans to attend you have a place to go when you need extragraduate school in California and returned supplies (e.g., oxygen) or a power source? Wehome to New York to be my mothers primary often think about medications in emergen- caregiver.Iwas22yearsold.AlthoughI ciesis it possible to have an additional sup- looked forward to starting my adult life on ply of medication on hand, or where is thethe West Coast, I was raised in a familylike closest pharmacy where we can get medica- many other Black families in the U.S.that took tions if traveling? However, including assistivecare of one another in every way, regardless devices in this planning is just as important.of the sacrice. I was concerned about her Embrace change: We as care partners canhealth and wanted to be there to take care of be just as hesitant as those we are caring for, her, whatever it took. to embrace new devices or technology, and often for many of the same reasons. We can be fearful or anxious about what this may mean about our loved ones health and supportSTABILITYneedsnow and in the future. We may feel overwhelmed learning about a new device,TO GO ANYWHERE!how it works, and tweaking our established routines to accommodate for it. Just remember, it is okay to ask for help. Communicate concerns or questions you have with your loved ones healthcare teamif they dont have an answer or solution for you, they can help you nd one. If other family members or friends are also helping with your caretaking, be sure to make them part of your newly established routines, so you can identify areas in which they can be a support for you.The support you provide to your loved one with MS is unique, but we hope these tips give you some ways to help with assistive devicesContact Wheeleez, Inc. for Sales/Couponsortechnology.FormoreresourcestohelpCall: 707-751-3999navigate the challenges and complexities of caregiving, visit CaregiverAction.org.17 msfocusmagazine.org'