If you have Multiple Sclerosis, you're not alone. According to statistics, approximately 400,000 Americans suffer from the debilitating disease. MS can make life difficult, especially when it comes to mobility issues. If your home hasn't been modified to adapt to your changing mobility, taking care of normal daily activities can be difficult. The bathroom is one room in the house that can be particularly difficult to navigate when you have MS. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make life easier. Here are three modifications you can make to your bathroom that will assist you with your mobility needs.
Walk-In Bathtubs
When you have MS, climbing into a bathtub can be nearly impossible. Once you're in the tub, you then have to worry about sitting down and getting back up. That's where a walk-in tub comes in. Walk-in tubs are designed to allow easy access through a built-in door. Once the door is opened, you can walk in to the tub and sit down on a built-in seat. When the door closes, it forms a water-proof seal which allows you to fill the tub without worrying about leaks. Walk-in tubs come with whirlpool capabilities, which means you'll be able to sit and relax your muscles. When you're done, you can simply drain the water and walk out of your tub.
Elevated Toilets
Sitting down on a standard-height toilet can be painful when you have MS. Once you're seated, you have to worry about lifting yourself back up to a standing position. That can put a lot of strain on your muscles. If you're having a difficult time using the standard-height toilet in your home, you should have it replaced with an elevated toilet. According to Consumer Reports, comfort height toilets sit about 17 to 19" off the ground, while a standard toilet sits anywhere from 2 to 3" lower. That's a big difference when you have mobility issues.
Non-Slip Surfaces
Bathroom floors can be particularly dangerous when you have MS. Tile can be slippery, which can lead slip and fall accidents. Whereas, throw rugs can cause trip and fall accidents, especially when you're unable to lift your fit high enough to avoid tripping on the edges. To avoid slip and fall, or trip and fall accidents in the bathroom, place slip-resistant shower stickers on your tile floor. The slip-resistant shower stickers will allow you to keep your tile floor and reduce the danger of falling.
Comfort and safety are important. If you have MS, use the tips provided here to make your bathroom more accessible to your needs. Check out websites like http://www.twincitystairlifts.com for more information.
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