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By 2010, five and a half million Americans were estimated to live to be 85 years old or older. This age group is expected, by 2050, to increase to 19 million, or nearly 5% of the population of the United States. Age brings medical conditions, however, one does not have to be older to experience conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
MS is one of the more mystifying inflammatory diseases. As of 2017, it was estimated (using 2010 numbers) that approximately 880,000 people were living with MS in the U.S. Persons aged 45 to 64 are the predominant group that suffers from MS, however, sufferers can start to show symptoms as early as 30 years old.
MS is an inflammatory disease that leads to damage of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Extreme tiredness, difficulty walking and numbness of the limbs are common symptoms of this disease.
There are nursing care plans that treat several of the different symptoms of MS. We are going to look at how a nursing care plan for multiple sclerosis can help alleviate a sufferer’s hopelessness.
Hopelessness is shown by someone who believes that he or she lacks any control over any given situation. They may believe that their actions will not contribute positively to a situation. They may also have feelings of worthlessness.
Some other symptoms of hopelessness include:
Desire for isolationA nursing care plan for multiple sclerosis will work to help the patient verbalize his or her feelings. The patient will learn coping skills to fight hopeless feelings. The patient will work on learning which areas he or she does have control over. Patients are encouraged to look outside themselves look for activities that they can be involved in and have fun with. Patients will learn principles of self-care.
The prognosis of MS is disheartening, however, remissions do occur. The future is unknown and therefore predictions of doom can be counteracted with hope for progress and healthy living. Scientific and medical research is ongoing and treatments are continually being tested and tried. These factors may assist in the MS sufferer’s hope for the future, which will help him or her live more fully in the present.
Additionally, one can find an ALS care plan, dementia care, nursing care plans for Parkinson’s disease and other nursing care and home care interventions.
