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MS Awareness Week

Living with Multiple Sclerosis can be different for everyone and mobility can vary from person to person but some typical symptoms of MS include:

• Impaired vision
• Loss of balance and dizziness
• Tremours
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Cognitive issues
• Spasms and stiffness
• Bladder and bowel issues

For MS Awareness Week (April 20-26th), G360 Bathrooms are sharing how our bathroom adaptations support people with disabilities and medical conditions, and bring independence back into the home for a more dignified experience.

How Traditional Bathrooms are Limiting for People With Multiple Sclerosis

When it comes to bathing and showering routines, ordinary bathrooms can be limiting and even unsafe for people with Multiple Sclerosis. 

Baths can be difficult to climb in and out of without slipping, and for those that struggle with fatigue, muscle spasm and loss of balance, baths pose the risk of accidents. Baths and shower-baths can lead to accidents such as trips, slips and falls, or getting stuck without the help of a carer.

Cubicle showers require stepping up and standing for a period of time, and for users that suffer with pain, dizziness and stiffness, this can become challenging and dangerous. By removing a step and replacing it with a low access level shower tray, people with MS remove the risk of tripping. By installing a shower seat, users can sit when feeling dizzy or experiencing pain, so that falls are limited.

Using ordinary toilets might seem simple for most people, but for those living with MS, crouching down on a low level seat can be difficult. If you experience bowel and bladder issues too, then the frequency that you use the toilet may change, so having a more accessible, comfortable experience can make a huge difference. Installing a wash-dry toilet could offer a more independent experience that reduces the need to move around so much.

Bathroom sinks are typically designed around the user standing, however for people who experience dizziness, pain and tremors, having mobility aids to support with stability is important.  Wash basins aren’t typically wheelchair friendly either, so if you want to brush your teeth, wash your face and hands, and you use a wheelchair, this can sometimes feel impossible without leg room, or an accessible height.

 What Do Accessible Bathrooms Offer People Living with MS?

By making changes to ordinary bathrooms to support daily hygiene routines, people with MS can have peace of mind that hazards are removed and fewer accidents can happen. This can make using the bathroom less intimidating and enhances independence at home. 

Here are some of the products that people with MS can benefit from installing into their homes:

Assisted Baths– G360 Bathrooms offer a range of baths to meet the needs of people who struggle with mobility. Remove the need to climb in and out of a bath with a powered seat lift. Our Libra bath operates with a remote that slowly lowers you into temperature controlled water, and lifts you back out-no need to strain your back and risk slipping.

Walk in Showers– A walk in shower offers low level access which helps with instability and vision impairment. With a shower seat to support MS symptoms, users can shower more safely. Operating the shower is also customisable so if you experience tremors or difficulty with grip, there are a few different options. Installing a shower that has a removable head can also make rinsing yourself off easier.

Wet Rooms– A wet room is more open plan and step-free, removing differing levels for an overall safer space.Wet rooms are very compatible with hoist systems, benches and allow more space for wheelchairs.

Wash Basins– Installing a sink that has handles or grips can make standing easier while brushing teeth or using the mirror. Our wash basins have leg room to cater for wheelchair users and can be installed to a height that suits you.

Grab Bars and Mobility Aids– Grab bars can be installed in showers to help with standing up from seats or moving in and out of the shower tray. Placed next to the toilet, mobility aids help with manoeuvring on and off the seat.

Wash Dry Toilets- Reduce the need to move so much with an all-in-one wash toilet with moveable arm rests to assist with a comfortable, supportive seated position. Experience a hygienic and dignifying toilet stop without the need to wipe, twist or reach for toilet roll.

Bathroom Transformations for Multiple Sclerosis 

G360 Bathrooms can adapt your current bathroom to make it more MS-friendly, but we can also renovate a room from scratch, so if you want to relocate your bathroom to the ground floor, we can do this! 

We cover all areas of a bathroom renovation, from plumbing, lighting and electrics, to installing our specialist products and features. Finishing off tiling, painting and decorative finishes to your preferences.

With our clinical knowledge, specialists products and experience supporting clients with various needs, the G360 team is confident that we can restore your independence with a bathroom that works around you rather than the other way around.

Get in Touch For a Free Consultation

Speak to the team today at G360 Bathrooms. We offer free home surveys to customise designs and meet your requirements when fitting your new bathrooms. 

In partnership with MS Society