EXPERT CARE COORDINATION | MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS & sPINAL CORD INJURY CARE PROGRAM
To be as active and healthy as possible, you need a coordinated plan of care.
The ICS MS and Spinal Cord Injury Program creates individualized, coordinated care plans for members who live with these conditions, in order to ensure that they are able to stay as active and healthy as possible.
While, unlike a spinal cord injury (SCI), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease, there are similarities in the care needs these conditions create. Both MS and SCI raise the individual’s risk for pressure wounds and infections, and often require a regimen of specialized bowel and bladder management. People living with SCI and MS also need access to specialized rehab equipment, wheelchairs, and other mobility equipment. In addition, this population can benefit enormously from regular exercise programs designed to meet their specific needs.
Care that is responsive
MS is an unpredictable disease. An MS patient’s condition – and therefore their care needs – can change very rapidly. ICS has close relationships, including co-located MS-certified expert staff, with the MS Centers where our members receive medical care. This means that when a sudden change in a member’s condition requires a change to their services, such as additional equipment or homecare hours, or the intervention of a physical therapist to help prevent falls, we are able to work with their doctors to advocate for those essential services and get them in place as quickly as possible.
Helping our members care for themselves
Teaching ICS members with SCI and MS the essentials of self-care protects their health and fosters greater independence. We provide robust, accurate information and instruction on the self-care techniques of preventing pressure wounds, infections, bowel and bladder problems, and other common complications.
ICS members also have access to exercise programs designed for people with limited mobility, and an Independent Living Program that pairs them with peer mentors who provide support and practical tips of living with their disability.
Adjusting to life with MS or SCI
A spinal cord injury or MS diagnosis creates emotional and physical barriers that can be difficult to overcome. It can also be challenging for a caregiver—often a parent, spouse or other close family member—to understand the physical and emotional needs of the newly diagnosed or injured family member. For these individuals the ICS Independent Living Program (link) provides trained peer mentors – men and women who themselves have disabilities. This program is a lifeline that helps members adjust to their new condition while setting and working toward individualized goals.
A range of partnerships serving ICS members
ICS is a trusted partner to many agencies and organizations that serve people with disabilities. Among these are the New York Chapter of the United Spinal Association, the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program at Manhattan’s Mt. Sinai Medical Center, the New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, and each of New York City’s Independent Living Centers. These relationships enrich our expertise, our ability to advocate for our members, and provide access to a wide range of services and programs that enhance our members’ health and independence.
With our specialized MS care coordination you get:
- Peer Mentoring for People with MS and SCI.
Learn about the ICS peer-mentor program for people with MS. Click here. - From Injury to Intimacy
Learn some of the myths and facts about sex and spinal cord injury. Click here. - Preventing wound infections at home.
Learn how to prevent pressure wounds. Click here. - Daniel Tratt and ICS’s incredible support to the disabled community.
Watch Daniel Tratt, formerly of the United Spinal Association, discuss how ICS supports people with spinal cord injuries. Click here. - ICS: MS Society Partner in Care.
See why the National MS Society recognized ICS for our expert care management. Click here.
For more information about how our specialized SCI care coordination can support you, call 1.877.ICS.2525.