August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. People living with spinal muscular atrophy experience loss of motor function over time. This month provides an opportunity to increase awareness about spinal muscular atrophy and the impacts it can have, as well as promote research regarding potential treatments for this condition.
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disorder affecting the nerve cells that control muscle movement. These nerve cells are located in the spinal cord. This condition affects the muscles because it does not allow the motor and sensory nerves in the brain to send signals to the rest of the body. As a result, muscle control and function begin to weaken due to inactivity.
There is no cure for spinal muscular atrophy at this time but there are treatments. These treatments typically focus on easing symptoms and optimizing quality of life.
How Can a Caregiver Help?
At Homewatch CareGivers, we are committed to easing the stress of symptoms from chronic conditions. The type of care that individuals living with spinal muscular atrophy need can vary but fortunately, our caregivers are equipped to assist with every level of care.
A Caregiver Can Help with:
- Maintaining Proper Nutrition and Hydration (help with feeding)
- Movement and Being as Active as Possible
- Medication Reminders
- Healthy Menu Planning
- Meal Preparation
- Personal Hygiene Care
- Bathing
- Getting Dressed
- Transportation Assistance
We understand that spinal muscular atrophy is a complex condition that affects everyone differently. As a result, our professional team will work diligently with your healthcare provider to develop a spinal muscular atrophy approach to care for you or your loved one.
If you are the primary caregiver for a parent, sibling, child, or spouse living with spinal muscular atrophy and don’t need another full-time caregiver, we can still help whenever you need to rest. Whether you need to take a break for a few days or even just a few hours, our highly trained and compassionate caregivers can step in to assist for any duration.
To learn more about how we can assist you or your loved one with the caregiving services we offer, please call your local Homewatch CareGivers location today.
