Relatives of people with MS: Helping without overburdening yourself

What can I do as a relative?

In addition to everyday working life, there is often the role of carer. This can push boundaries and lead to acute crises or permanent overload. The important thing is that you don't have to cope alone. These points will help you in everyday life:

• Be emotionally present - without pressure

• Practical help in everyday life

• Have conversations at eye level

• Allow yourself breaks

How MS changes everyday life - and when outside help is needed

MS often changes everyday life gradually - on good days almost imperceptibly, on others clearly. It is important to recognize typical signals early on and take targeted countermeasures. Typical changes are

• Fatigue: pronounced tiredness despite rest. Helps: energy balance, distribution of tasks, short recovery phases.

• Mobility: unsteady gait, risk of falling. Helps: Physio, aids, adapting the home.

• Mood & cognition: mood swings, concentration problems. Helps: clear structures, psychological support.

• Withdrawal: less social contact. Helps: short, predictable encounters, digital closeness.

External support is useful at the latest when care dominates everyday life or safety/treatment is affected.

Support services for families with MS

MS-Infoline, where you can get advice in stressful moments and ideas for relief. They are competent, neutral and free of charge. Pay attention to the opening hours.

The Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society also offers events and further training for people with MS and their relatives. Just take a look.

Occupational therapy and physiotherapy help to maintain independence and improve mobility and everyday activities.

Further support is provided by public and private Spitex. The difference is that you can request private Spitex without a prescription, it is more flexible and individual. In addition, private Spitex is a combination of care and everyday assistance.

Another form of support is home care provided by third parties or by the family itself. Tasks can be assigned to external caregivers - or organized within the family with clear arrangements.

Relatives in the care team: professionally organized

There are relatives who already provide care. However, they do not receive a salary for their work. SpitexCare makes this possible. Many families take on basic care, everyday organization and support on a daily basis - often without a contract or security. This help is professionally organized through employment with a private Spitex: with an introduction, clear tasks, deployment planning and documentation; medical care activities only after training and delegation. Depending on the canton and if prescribed by a doctor, services can be covered by compulsory health insurance. Your advantage: fair salary, social insurance, plannable assignments and professional support. Note without pressure: With SpitexCare, relatives can be paid fairly - with social security and support.

When it gets too much

Excessive demands are an alarm signal, not a personal failure. Stabilize yourself emotionally first: stop for a moment, take a deep breath, name the situation ("I'm overwhelmed right now") and choose a micro-step (drink water, open the window, call for support). Then take the pressure off: radically sort out your priorities, share tasks, keep an emergency to-do list and plan fixed islands of relaxation.

Burnout among family caregivers is real - warning signs are persistent exhaustion, irritability, sleep and concentration problems. Get help early on: GP assessment, advice, respite services/Spitex, family groups or short-term care. Relief is not a betrayal - but care: those who protect themselves can help longer and better. If you wish, SpitexCare can show you suitable respite options and organize support - without pressure.