As Jane Austen once stated, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” And for someone with a chronic disease, like multiple sclerosis (MS), remaining as comfortable as possible, and, as safe as possible, is essential.
If someone you love has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the first step is to obtain multiple sclerosis management support from a professional home care agency with specific expertise in MS-related challenges, who can perform an in-home safety assessment and make the appropriate suggestions for modifications to the home so that it is a safe, comfortable refuge, rather than a hazardous place.
MS can cause getting around to be complicated, and since day-to-day tasks — including recreational activities — can lead to exhaustion more quickly in individuals with multiple sclerosis, making certain changes to the home environment may help maintain energy and boost independence.
A few examples include:
- Substitute thick carpeting with smooth, nonslip flooring for easier mobility
- Place grab bars strategically throughout the bathroom
- Move furniture to extend pathways throughout the residence
- Incorporate items in the tub or shower like a hand-held showerhead, a slip resistant bath mat, and a tub seat
- Consider adding a bed rail to provide support with switching sleep positions
- Exchange knobs throughout the home with handles, which are easier to manage
Compassionate Care Home Health Services, provider of expert senior home care in Traverse City and surrounding areas, can provide home modification suggestions and help with scheduling these customizations to ensure your loved one’s household is a more convenient place for independence. Just a few of the many other ways we can help enhance quality of life for someone with multiple sclerosis include:
- Planning and preparing balanced, delicious meals
- Light household chores and laundry
- Support with personal care needs, such as bathing, dressing, and bathroom use
- Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments, procedures, and enjoyable outings
- Errand-running, such as picking up prescriptions and grocery shopping
- Offering friendly companionship to engage in exercise programs, conversations, fun activities, and favorite hobbies and interests
- Medication reminders so meds are taken exactly as recommended
- Help with safe ambulation for fall prevention
- And many others, according to each person’s particular needs
To learn more about our senior home care in Traverse City and the surrounding area, contact us at 877.308.1212. Our in-home care from expert caregivers can help provide multiple sclerosis management and support so that MS patients remain in the comfort of home, while enjoying life to the fullest each day.