Jane Austen once said, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” And for someone with a chronic illness, like MS, comfort is imperative, as is safety. If your loved one has been diagnosed with MS, the first step in caregiving should be to make the necessary adaptations so the home is a safe, comfortable sanctuary, and not a hazardous place.
MS can make moving around difficult, and because daily activities—including leisure activities— can cause fatigue more quickly in people with MS, creating specific changes to the home environment may help conserve energy and increase independence.
Some examples include:
- Replace thick carpet with smooth, nonslip flooring for easier mobility
- Install grab bars in the bathroom
- Reposition furniture to widen pathways throughout the home
- Include items in the tub or shower such as a handheld showerhead, a slip resistant bath mat and a tub seat
- Consider a bed rail to assist with changing sleeping positions
- Replace knobs throughout the home with handles, which are easier to manage
Live Free Home Health Care can provide home modification recommendations and assist in scheduling modifications to ensure your loved one’s home is a more convenient place for independence. To learn more about our home care in Concord, NH and surrounding areas, contact us. Our in-home care from professional caregivers can help patients stay in the comfort of their home, with the care needed to allow them time to rest and recuperate.