Mobility complications are often the first sign that relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is transitioning into secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). With this progression, many people experience more difficulties with balance, lower- and upper-body coordination, strength, and endurance, says Brittany Ferri, PhD , a registered and licensed occupational therapist and owner of Simplicity of Health, based in Rochester, New York. These changes can make maneuvering around your home more challenging. But by changing your layout, adjusting or swapping out some furniture, and making other thoughtful modifications, it’s possible to create a safe home environment and maintain your independence when living with SPMS.
Home Modifications That Help With Secondary-Progressive MS Home Modifications That Can Help Setting up your home with comfort, convenience, and safety in mind can help you live well with SPMS. Consider these tips, which range from simple changes to comprehensive modifications: 1. Clear Walkways Remove clutter and other tripping hazards — laundry baskets, shopping bags — from hallways and other areas you frequently pass through. 2. Adjust the Location and Height of Your Furniture Arrange your furniture so there’s enough space to easily move around it. Consider getting adjustable chairs that allow you to sit comfortably with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and feet flat on the floor. You can also add risers to chairs and tables to make getting up and down less strenuous. Many sofas are too deep or low for people with MS, so you can also bolster yourself with cushions or pillows, or place a layer of thick foam under the sofa cushions to make mobility transfers easier. 3. Place Mobility Devices Around Your Home Keep mobility devices, such as canes, around your home in places where you may need the extra support. For example, Dr. Ferri suggests keeping a mobility device near sofas and chairs to help you get up and down, especially if they do not have armrests. 4. Secure Loose Rugs Use nonslip backing or double-sided tape on the bottom of your rugs. Pay special attention to rugs leading to your bathrooms , as many people with SPMS have an urgent need to urinate and may need to get to a toilet quickly. “This prevents trip hazards and decreases someone’s fall risk,” says Ferri. 5. Enhance Lighting Make sure bathrooms, hallways, and staircases are well lit to reduce the risk of falls. Consider installing motion sensor lights or plug-in night-lights that turn on when you come into a room. Good lighting is not only helpful in minimizing the risk of falls but can also ease eyestrain and improve functional performance for tasks such as reading and writing, Ferri notes. 6. Keep Essential Items Within Reach Think about what you use most often in your bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen, and keep those items close by. “This is especially helpful for those with balance problems and limited upper-body range of motion,” says Ferri. It can also help to have a designated spot for things you grab every day, such as your keys and wallet. If you mostly walk to get around the home, keep things between knee level and a few inches above your head. If you use a wheelchair, aim to keep items 15 to 52 inches off the floor. Storage solutions, such as hanging baskets, hooks, and storage carts, can also be useful for keeping essentials handy. 7. Implement Mobility Supports Around the Home Aids such as grab bars, handrails, and raised toilet seats can make a big difference in your bathroom and bedroom. “This makes mobility transfers easier for people during particularly difficult tasks, such as getting on and off the toilet, getting in and out of the shower, and moving around in bed,” says Ferri. If you have stairs, put handrails on both sides for ample support. 8. Install Lifts or Ramps, if Space Allows Consider hiring a contractor who specializes in accessibility design or a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) to install lifts or ramps that allow you to get into your home and go from one floor to another.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293177ae7e-50f0-4d86-aa6d-043fdd8546c8 A CAPS can also widen doorways in your home to make moving around with a cane, walker, or wheelchair easier. Financial resources are available to help you budget for home modifications or find local funds to help pay for them.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629187ed7cc-a813-4b43-acef-61a2d69718b0 If changing your current space isn’t feasible, you may want to explore other housing options, such as renting an accessible apartment or participating in a home-sharing program, where you live in an accessible space with someone outside of your family.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e8f1c685-c373-4f04-8b3d-6b5bf8f0982b
Home Modifications Are One Part of Care for SPMS Home Modifications Are One Part of Care for SPMS On top of making modifications to your home, it’s important to monitor symptoms to continue living safely and comfortably with SPMS. Some people with SPMS experience worsening vision problems, for example, which can make getting around the home even more challenging. Scheduling regular vision screenings with your eye doctor — and keeping in touch with the rest of your MS care team — can help you stay on top of symptom progression and get the support you need. Related: How I Know My SPMS Has Progressed: It’s Not Just Mobility “As with all forms of MS, it’s important to stay in close contact with your doctor and carefully weigh all treatment options,” says Ferri. “If you are having particular difficulty taking care of yourself, inquire about physical and occupational therapies, which can help teach you new methods for self-care tasks, household management, and more.”
The Takeaway A major factor in creating an SPMS-friendly space is reducing the risk of falls. Keeping walkways clear and having good lighting around your home can help lower your risk. Consider adjusting the height of your furniture, installing mobility support, and building lifts and ramps to make it easier to get around your home. Put frequently used items within easy reach in your bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen, and take advantage of storage solutions, such as hanging baskets and hooks, to keep these things organized.