Many times the thought of taking care of someone usually entails either someone who has been in a severe accident or the elderly. Rarely do we think that we will have to take care of a child because they are chronically ill. However, for those who are coping with children with MD, care giving for the young can be a full time job.
Dealing with the Diagnosis
According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Muscular Dystrophy, or MD, is a group of genetic diseases that degenerates the skeletal muscles in the body. Because of this, caring for the young is heartbreaking. These are the muscles that enable us to move. What this means is that those affected have missing or incorrect genetic information which prevents them from generating the correct proteins needed to build healthy muscles.
Most versions of MD present itself in early childhood, some as early as birth and infancy which means complete care for the young starts extremely early. However, other types will show onset in early childhood, when becoming a teenager and even into early adulthood. While females may be affected, generally males are the ones who are affected. The main signs of MD that affect toddlers and young children, according to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, are developmental issues such as speech and motor control issues.
Although it may be slightly easier to care for them at first, advancement of the disease means that more assistive tools like wheelchairs, walkers, canes or even a breathing device will be needed. Since the muscles in the lungs and heart are critically affected, full-time attention from an in-home caregiver will be a necessity in the latter stages of the disease.
Safety First
To ensure the affected child has a healthy and safe setting once a diagnosis for MD has been given, many changes will need to take place in the home. Not only do the mental and emotional adjustments need to be taken care of, but the physical conditions need to be taken care of as well when you provide care giving for the young with MD. As an example, make sure that the wheelchair will fit in the dining room and under the table so the family can have meals together. If the child is still active, another example is to establish what obstacles that may cause them to fall like stairs or rugs. Also, when coping with the bathroom, have accommodations been made so they can stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. Take the steps to make sure the care giving process progresses because it is already a life-long process dealing with MD.
Finding caring and experienced professionals who believe in preserving their patient's rights is key when searching for Atlanta East home care givers. Patty Morris knows the value in finding the right Marietta home care for her loved one's care.
No comments:
Post a Comment