ADAPT your Home for MS

Home Equipment for Multiple Sclerosis

• Built-up utensils
• Grab bars
• Reacher devices
• Electric beds or mattresses
• Sliding boards
• Wheelchairs

What Changes Can I Make in My Home for Multiple Sclerosis?

• Get dressed while sitting in a chair that has arm rests. This will help you keep your balance.
• Roll from side to side to get pants over your hips. You can do this while sitting in a chair or lying down on your bed.
• Wear clothes that are loose-fitting and have elastic waistbands.
• Choose wrap-around clothing instead of the pull-over type. Also choose clothing that opens in the front, not the back.
• Wear clothing with large, flat buttons or use Velcro closures.
• Use a buttonhook to button clothing.
• If you have shoulder weakness, use a dressing stick to get your coat or shirt on and off.
• Use a zipper pull or attach a leather loop on the end of the zipper to zip pants or jackets.
• Use devices such as a sock aid and a long-handled shoehorn for additional assistance.

• Install grab bars inside and outside the bathtub or shower.
• Use a bathtub transfer bench or a shower chair with back support.
• Put extended lever handles on faucets to make them easier to turn.
• Put a nonskid mat in the bathtub.
• Use a handheld hose for showering and bathing.
• Use a long-handled sponge or scrubbing brush.
• Use soap-on-a-rope, bath mitts, or sponges with soap inside, or a soft soap applicator instead of bar soap.
• Use lukewarm water; very hot water can cause fatigue and aggravate your symptoms.
• Sew straps on towels to make them easier to hold while drying.
• Place a towel on the floor outside the tub to dry your feet so you don’t slip.
• Put a towel on the back of your chair and rub your back against it to dry. Or use a terry cloth robe instead of a towel to dry off.