Advice articleBlog, stories and news

Bathroom design considerations to help with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

By Adam Ferry Occupational Therapist

If you’ve been diagnosed with MS and live with its symptoms, then you’ll be acutely aware of how it can be both debilitating and unpredictable. 

Whilst the symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, muscle stiffness of weakness, reduced balance, and numbness may not be able to be cured, they can be managed to give you the best chance of remaining independent.

One of the ways of doing this is to adapt the environment in ways that suit your routines and, so that the environment itself does not become disabling. Depending on what type of MS you have it could be difficult to predict how your needs might change, but the tips below aim to provide some general insight into what you could start thinking about in order to reduce risk and maximise independence in the longer-term.

  • If you prefer a bath and you’re already having balance or mobility problems then consider assistive baths such as the Alera, which will provide safe access to bathing in the long-term, whereas if bathing is not important then an accessible shower space, such as a wet room can be installed.
  • Consider the benefit of bathing on muscle spasms.
  • Make sure there is somewhere to sit, particularly in the shower, but also space to have seating by the sink in the future. Remember that boxed vanity or storage units under a sink will stop you being able to get close when sitting for tasks like shaving or brushing your teeth.
  • Think carefully about what controls (shower/bath/taps etc) are chosen so that any future problems with grip are managed.
  • A wash/dry toilet will help to future proof independence after using the toilet.
  • Look at colour and lighting options to make sure spaces within the bathroom are well-lit and clearly defined which can help someone with a visual impairment.
  • Temperature control is very important to manage MS symptoms so ensure that the bathroom is well ventilated with controllable heating options.

One of the benefits of using G360 is their clinical knowledge and experience in designing bathrooms to meet individual needs. This means that you’re not making decisions alone and provides reassurance that you’re going to be given the best possible advice, with a bespoke concept to completion adaptation.