Make Your Home Your Comfort Zone with These Modifications for MS

Some modifications, such as installing grab bars and pull-out shelves, are easy for a handyperson to do in a day. Others, such as widening doorways and lowering countertops, require more time and money.

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) often means facing daily challenges, including erratic symptoms and progressive disabilities.

Ensuring that your living space is safe, comfortable, and accessible can make a world of difference and provide greater peace of mind. Accessibility in home design can promote independence and even alleviate the need for a caregiver in some cases.

Consider the following 5 types of home renovations that can transform your living environment into an accessible sanctuary.

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Bathroom modifications

How many times have you rushed to the toilet, grabbing the walls for balance, while hoping to make it in time for an urgent tinkle? Or maybe you fear slipping in the shower or losing stability stepping in and out of the bathtub. Wet floors can be dangerous for anyone — but especially for people with MS who have issues with balance and stability.

These modifications might help:

• Install grab bars and handrails strategically near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to reduce the risk of falls. Since I installed handrails in my tub, I can confidently step in and out of it with ease and without fear of a slip-and-fall. It also helps to have a no-slip rug next to the tub when I get out.
• An even better solution, if it’s in your budget, is to install a walk-in shower with non-slip flooring, a built-in bench you can rest on, and a handheld showerhead to use while sitting. These can make showering easier and safer.
• A raised toilet seat (ideally 17–19 inches (in) tall) can provide additional stability in the bathroom. That’s because it reduces the distance you need to navigate to get from sitting to standing — a bonus if you’re experiencing balance issues, weakness, or spasticity.

Kitchen improvements

The kitchen is another area of your home where accessibility is crucial. Being around a hot oven, sharp knives, and potential spills — especially if you’re clumsy like I am — can be particularly dangerous.

Here are some changes to consider:

• Standing for long periods can be tiring and increase the risk of falls. Using anti-fatigue mats in front of the stove and sink can reduce exertion.
• Lowering countertops and having space for seated meal prep can offer significant comfort and reduce fatigue because it enables you to sit (whether in a wheelchair or a standard chair) while you work.
• If you have difficulty with coordination in your fingers or a weak grip, consider installing pull-out shelves in cabinets and drawers so you don’t have to try to maneuver heavy appliances and pans in a cramped space. You can also consider adding lever-style handles to your cabinets and faucet.
• To minimize the need to bend or stretch, it can be helpful to have a side-by-side refrigerator that’s more wide than it is tall, if you have the space.

Wider doors

When I’ve had to use a walker, it has often been awkward and uncomfortable to navigate most spaces. Entering and exiting rooms can be difficult because of how narrow the doorways typically are. Widening doorways can greatly improve mobility throughout the home for people who use mobility aids, such as a walker or a wheelchair.

Here’s what you can do:

• Expand your standard doorway (mine was 30 in wide) by 2 in or more to promote smoother movement from room to room.
• If expanding doorways isn’t an option for you, consider removing doors, since the hinges alone take up some width. You can always add curtains for privacy without narrowing the opening.

Ramps and stairlifts

Ramps and lifts can provide a barrier-free way to move in and out of your home with ease and confidence. Depending on where you live, you may need to get a permit or an inspection to install a ramp, especially if it will be permanent. Check with your local municipality.

Here are some tips for these modifications:

• If your home has stairs leading to the exterior doors, consider installing exterior ramps to eliminate the need to navigate the stairs. Ramps offer a gradual incline, making it easier to go in and out of your home.
• Ensure that any ramps you install have slip-resistant surfaces and handrails for added safety.
• If your home has interior stairs, consider installing a stairlift, which attaches to the wall and moves you up and down the staircase.

Smart home technology

Embracing smart home technology can simplify daily tasks, provide convenience, enhance comfort, and improve your overall quality of life.

Consider the following options:

• Voice-activated assistants can allow you to control lights, thermostats, and other devices with simple voice commands.
• Smart locks and video doorbells provide added security and convenience and prevent you from having to go to the door quite so often.
• Motion-sensing lights installed in key areas of your home can reduce the need to fumble for switches in the dark — and help you avoid the temptation to move around in areas where you can’t see well.
• Automated cleaning devices, such as a robot vacuum cleaner, can streamline household tasks, ensuring a tidy living space with less effort.

The takeaway

These types of home renovations are just the beginning when it comes to creating an accessible haven when you’re living with MS. They’re investments in your well-being, and they can significantly enhance your daily life.

Every person’s needs are unique, so it’s essential to assess your specific requirements. By making thoughtful changes to your living space, you can enjoy greater comfort, safety, and independence while living with MS.