Social care and support
Too often, people with MS aren’t getting the social care or rehabilitation support they need to live independent lives.
The social care system in England is in crisis. It’s failing to deliver the quality care that people of all ages affected by MS rely on to live independently.
Social care includes things like:
- equipment
- someone to help you in your home
- residential care
- support for carers
People with MS are missing out on vital support
Thousands of people with MS rely on rehabilitation services to do the everyday things others may take for granted. Things like making a cup of tea, or moving around safely. These services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, diet and nutrition, and continence support.
But our research shows that too often, people aren’t getting the support they need – and it’s only got worse during the pandemic.
Read about our rehabilitation campaign
1 in 3 people with MS don't get the care they need
Right now, 1 in 3 people living with MS who struggle with essential everyday activities like washing, dressing and eating aren't having their care needs met. That's unacceptable.
In 2017, the Government promised to improve social care in England. We need to keep holding them to account.
Read more about the care crisis in our report
Family members and friends aren’t being supported
Family and friends provide vital support to people with MS, often stepping in to fill gaps in state support with significant impact on their own lives.
In 2019, we surveyed family members and friends providing regular care and support to someone with MS in the UK. We found that over half of those supporting someone with MS don’t have the practical, emotional or financial support they need. This is despite the fact that 41% of people spent 35 hours or more a week providing support – the equivalent of a full-time job.
We need a fair, effective and properly funded care system across the UK that better supports family members, friends and unpaid carers.
We'll be working hard to improve the support we offer, and to campaign for UK Governments to do the same.
Read our 2019 friends and family report
We're keeping the pressure up
In September 2018, we were pleased that the Government listened to our calls to include working age adults in their promised public consultation on fixing social care - known as a Green Paper.
But this consultation has now been delayed many times - it was first promised in 2017.
Ending the care crisis can’t wait any longer. We’re working with 80 other charities as part of the Care and Support Alliance to push for urgent funding for social care and a plan to fix the system for the long term.
When the plan is published for consultation, we’ll need to tell the Government what needs to change for people affected by MS.
Get involved
Want to add your voice and help speak up with people with MS?
