People with MS failed by care services

Social care services are failing people with multiple sclerosis,
according to a new report, writes Sally
Gillen.

The report commissioned by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, based
on a survey of 1,200 people with MS and their carers, found that
almost 70 per cent of people with the illness do not have a care
manager or a social worker.

It also revealed that only 58 per cent of people with MS had
used personal care services and 30 per cent said their care
provider performed poorly when reassessing their needs as their
condition changed.

The report also found that 55 per cent of people with
progressive MS and 41 per cent with a relapsing type of the illness
said the disability living allowance does not take into account the
fluctuating nature of the condition.

Launching the report, ‘Square Pegs, Round Holes’, chief
executive of the society Mike O’Donovan said: “The most
worrying thing we found in both social care and benefits is a lack
of flexibility or ability to adapt to changes in someone’s
condition.”

He added: “All too often this means changing care needs are not
being met or appropriate services given. We are asking the
government to look into this urgently.”

O’Donovan said: “GPs and disability living allowance
assessors need training in the changing nature of MS to avoid
people being given unsuitable care packages.”