Decreased mobilityis an unfortunate side effect of multiple sclerosis, and it occurs as part of the nerve degeneration resulting from the body attacking its own nerve cells. What starts as a loss of balance or foot drop (not being able to flex the foot up as you walk) can turn into a complete loss of leg use. My great aunt Beverly, who has MS, has been in a wheelchair for as long as I can remember, and our family friend Rich was diagnosed a few years ago and has had his mobility become compromised in recent years.
Many people with multiple sclerosis rely on wheelchairs, power chairs and mobility scooters for assistance.
The mobility issues faced by MS patients can be made easier by various pieces of home medical equipment, most of which are offered by Hammer Medical. For MS patients that have just begun to lose their mobility but can still get around on their own, a cane and or lift chair can help significantly with moving around and standing up or sitting down. A mobility scooter can also be used for outdoor events or to go on walks with family and friends
Manual wheelchairs work great for those that can no longer support themselves, don’t need to cover large distances outdoors and live with someone or have someone to help them care for themselves. For the maximum amount of independence, a power chair can help those who have lost mobility completely navigate the tight spaces in their home, as well as go for longer distances outside.
Aside from these items, Hammer Medical can also evaluate homes for any accessibility modifications you or your loved one’s home may need including walk or roll-in tubs and showers, grab bar installation, doorway widening and more.
For any mobility or accessibility needs for those with MS, Hammer Medical would take great pleasure in helping any way we can. Contact us or come by any of our locations so we can help take care of you or your loved one.
Tags: cane, lift chair, mobility scooter, MS, multiple sclerosis, power chair, wheelchair