Multiple Sclerosis patients are prone to injuries. Falls are regular for some patients, and striking with an object is usually the most common cause. MS patients have low bone density; which means that their bones can break easily if they are ever in an accident. They need safety at work and at home. In this article, we will give you safety tips for your home and those at work.
Be sure to check these Tips for MS Patients
Multiple Sclerosis can change the way you live and perform tasks. You must ensure home safety or prepare for injuries. Being careful is important as one cannot guarantee the magnitude of any harm or bruise from a fall or accident. Follow these tips to for a healthy living at home with MS:
Talk to your therapist
First talk to your therapist to recommend you to include or exclude any furniture or equipment. You’ll be given advice based on your symptoms and level of your disease. Your therapist may recommend these devices to make your life easier:
- Grab bars
- Wheelchairs
- Sliding boards, and/or
- Electric beds or mattresses
You must make your home a safe place to live. You can lose your balance and can injure yourself, therefore, whatever you do, make sure that you don’t lose your balance and fall. Keep in mind that you have a limited reservoir of energy.
Safety at Home
When Changing Clothes
- While changing clothes, sit in a chair that has arm rests. This will help you keep your balance and protect you from falling
- Wear light-colored loose-fitting clothes so that air can pass and keep you cool
- Choose clothes that open in the front, not the back
- Wear clothes with large buttons or use Velcro closures
- When zipping jackets, use a zipper pull or attach a leather loop on the end of the zipper for easy pulling
In the Bathroom
- Use an elevated toilet seat to make it easier to sit and stand.
- Do not use towel racks or bathroom tissue holders to help you stand. They’re not sturdy enough. Also do not try to pull yourself by putting pressure on the wall with your hand. You may slip.
- Install grab bars inside the bathtub or shower.
- Use pull-out faucets instead of those that are turned to open.
- Put a nonskid mat in the bathtub.
- Use a long-handled sponge or scrubbing brush.
- Use soap dispenser or sponges with soap inside instead of bar soap.
- Use lukewarm water for bathing. Very hot water can make you tired and aggravate your symptoms.
- Place a towel on the floor outside the tub to dry your feet so you don’t slip.
- Use hairbrushes and combs with built-up handles.
- Install grab bars near your bath tub and toilet seat.
- Never use towel racks for support — they cannot hold a person’s weight. They could snap out of the wall causing you to fall.
- Don’t use slippery tiles on floors and walls in the bathroom. If you already have those, then never go in the bathroom without slippers.
In the Kitchen
- Use a tall stool to sit, if standing for long is a problem for you.
- Gather together everything you’ll need in one spot.
While Walking
- Lanes and pathways in Pakistan are mostly uneven. If you have weak legs, walk with care and on leveled floor when possible.
- Use a folding wheelchair and cane, if you occasionally need those.
In the House
- Remove clutter and unnecessary furniture in the house.
- To easily see your way if you get up at night, keep a night light on.
Safety at Work
Safety at work is equally important for MSers as it is at home. Follow these tips to improve safety at the workplace:
- If you go to your office on motorcycle, then make turn that vehicle into a tri-motorcycle (a three-wheel motorcycle).
- Keep yourself away from office stress as much as possible.
- Always go to the toilet before a meeting or a presentation.
- Talk to your boss about your disease.
What safety tips do you follow to keep yourself safe with MS? Share with us in the comments below.