Advanced multiple sclerosis and family relationship processes
Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation, Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
MS affects the whole family, not just the person with MS. People who are very severely affected by MS and can no longer be cared for at home may be admitted to a nursing home. Families may have struggled, sometimes for years, to meet the care needs of the severely disabled family member and when that person is admitted to a nursing home, there can be a real sense of failure and of abandonment of the individual.
This study aims to increase understanding of the dilemmas involved in supporting a relative with MS and how they can be resolved, at least in part. It will examine the impact of severe MS on a range of different families and try to identify the factors which mean that some adapt and cope more successfully than others. The aim is to produce a model of successful coping strategies which can help to shape future support for people with MS and their families.
The research will be looking for answers to the following questions:
- What are the psychosocial and relationship needs of MS patients in nursing care facilities, as perceived by relatives, and are they being met?
- What are the psychosocial and relationship needs of relatives of MS patients in nursing care facilities, and are they being met?
- What family processes are involved in adapting to a relative's advanced stage MS?
