Living well with Multiple Sclerosis: Practical Ways to Maintain Independence at Home

3.1 million people around the world are living with MS, including more than 152,000 in the UK. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can sometimes make everyday tasks more challenging. However, small changes to your home and how you approach routine tasks can make things feel more manageable. MS affects everyone differently, so it’s important to find practical ways that work for you. The suggestions in this article are general ideas rather than medical advice, and may not be suitable for everyone.

How Can Multiple Sclerosis Affect Everyday Life?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects everyone differently, and everyday challenges can vary from person to person. Many MS symptoms are very unpredictable, which can make routine planning difficult.

Some common symptoms include:

● Fatigue: This is a heavy, overwhelming exhaustion that often appears suddenly and can make tasks like cooking and cleaning harder.

● Muscle weakness: Everyday activities like opening containers or carrying the shopping can become more challenging when muscles feel weaker. This is another unpredictable symptom that can come and go.

● Spasms: These can involve sudden, uncontrollable jerks and muscle tightening, which can make routines, from sleeping to mobility, feel uncomfortable or painful.

● Balance problems: Activities like using stairs or walking across uneven surfaces can increase the risk of falls.

Practical Ways to Maintain Independence at Home

Make Your Home Easier to Navigate

MS symptoms can sometimes make getting around the home more difficult, but small changes to your surroundings can reduce hazards. This could include:

● Keeping the floors and stairs clear of items

● Securing loose rugs and cables

● Rearranging furniture if necessary

● Improving lighting around the home

Make Daily Tasks More Manageable

Think about whether there are ways to make certain tasks less physically demanding. This could involve breaking bigger tasks down into smaller steps and taking regular breaks. For example, instead of cleaning the whole house in one go, you could place your focus on one room or task at a time before taking a break. For people who need additional support with everyday activities, personalised care at home can also help them maintain their routines and independence.

Some people find it helpful to make sure frequently used items are kept within easy reach. This can prevent the need for repeated bending, stretching or walking between rooms. Where possible, completing tasks sitting down, like folding laundry, may help you manage fatigue.

Manage Fatigue and Conserve Energy Fatigue can make everyday activities more challenging. Some people keep a fatigue diary to track their energy levels and other symptoms, which can help them identify patterns in their energy levels. This can help people plan more demanding activities for the times when they typically have more energy. Some people also find it helpful to take rest periods throughout the day.

Adapt the Kitchen and Bathroom

Adaptations to the kitchen and bathroom can make everyday activities safer and more manageable. These rooms can challenge people with MS, as tasks often involve standing for long periods, reaching, and bending. For example, adaptations and mobility aids, like grab rails, shower seats, and non-slip flooring, may be helpful. In the kitchen, some people benefit from aids like a perching stool, easy-grip utensils, and easy-to-reach storage. An occupational therapist can recommend tailored adaptations based on your personal needs.

Lincolnshire MS Therapy Centre

We’re a local charity based on the northern outskirts of Lincoln for those in Lincolnshire who suffer from the debilitating illness Multiple Sclerosis. We’re part of a network of 65 national centres across the UK and Republic of Ireland, The MS National Therapy Centres. We offer a range of treatments, holistic therapies and classes at the centre, and we open our doors to anyone who would benefit from our services. Take a look at our website to find out more about how you can benefit from our support.