Life with MS: How to Enhance Comfort at Home
Jane Austen once said, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” And for someone experiencing life with MS, or any other chronic disease, comfort is essential, as is safety. If your loved one has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the first step in caregiving should be to make the appropriate modifications so the home is a safe, comfortable sanctuary, and not a hazardous place.
Multiple sclerosis can cause getting around to be challenging, and because daily activities — including leisure activities — can cause fatigue more quickly in people with MS, creating specific changes to the home environment can help conserve energy and enhance independence.
Some examples include:
- Change out thick carpet in favor of smooth, nonslip flooring for easier mobility
- Place grab bars strategically in the bathroom – near the tub and toilet, for instance
- Reposition furniture to widen pathways throughout the residence
- Include safety items in the shower or bathtub such as a handheld shower head, a slip resistant bath mat and a tub seat
- Consider a bed rail to aid with changing sleeping positions
- Exchange knobs throughout the home with handles, which are easier to manage
Home & Hearth Caregivers can provide home modification guidelines and help in scheduling customizations to make sure your loved one’s residence is a safer, more comfortable place for independence. Just a few of the many ways we can help enhance quality of life include:
- Transportation and accompaniment to doctors’ appointments, errands, and fun outings
- Help with light housework, laundry, and meal preparation
- Friendly companionship and sharing in enjoyable activities together
- Assistance with organization around the home
- And much more
To discover more about our in-home care services in Illinois, contact us at 800-349-0663. Our in-home care from professional caregivers can help patients stay in the comfort of their home, with the care needed to improve quality of life.