10 Types of Assistive Devices for MS View All "Managing Multiple Sclerosis" Articles This content is selected and managed by the Healthgrades editorial staff and is brought to you by an advertising sponsor. This content is created or selected by the Healthgrades editorial team and is funded by an advertising sponsor. The content is subject to the Healthgrades medical review process for accuracy, balance and objectivity. The content is not edited or otherwise influenced by the advertisers appearing on this page except with the possible suggestion of the broad topic area. For more information, read the HealthGrades advertising policy. When you have multiple sclerosis (MS), symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and impaired vision can interfere with your daily life. Assistive devices are tools designed to overcome these obstacles. The tools range from electric can openers and easy-to-hold combs to sophisticated computer aids and specially adapted vans. But all share a common purpose: making your life easier.
Medically Reviewed By: William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS | Last Review Date: May 22, 2015 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. You Might Also Like What to Ask Your Doctor About MS Share via EmailxSend to myselfFrom:Your Name:To:Enter the characters to verify you are human: ALS bathroom supports can maintain dignity and prolong independence. Stay safe and comfortable with bedrails, cushions and body pillows. Find new ways to communicate with our range of devices that get the point across. We've created specific product selections for those living with ALS to use as daily living aids, for safety around the house. Choose from a variety of ALS dining helpers to continue to eat successfully and independently. Keep mobile as you progress with our range of walkers, wheelchairs and canes.
Keep what you need at your fingertips and stay productive as you get around. Reduce ALS pain and promote day-and-night comfort. Prepare for Care: ALS As time goes on, loved ones will need increasingly greater assistance. In the early stages, it is essential for you as a caregiver to support the person whom you look after as much as he or she is comfortable with. ALS is a life-changing condition that will make loved ones more dependent on your help over time. Encouraging them to live independently for as long as possible can improve their happiness. Further down the line, ALS care products will become necessary - first to continue enabling loved ones to live independently, then to help you care for them. ALS does not impact cognitive functions or the abilities to see, hear, smell, taste and recognize touch. Because of this, it is not only critical to keep them safe and comfortable, but to develop and maintain a strong relationship with them. Caregivers can do this by:
Working as a team throughout the process. Including the people they care for in care decisions. Spending quality time together instead of solely as a caregiver. In the beginning, mobility aids and grab bars around the home can enable people with ALS to maneuver safely. Meanwhile, daily living products such as zipper pulls, shoe horns and other dressing aids can allow them to get ready for the day independently. As the disease progresses, home support aids can ensure that loved ones are staying safe and comfortable. Investing in bedroom products such as bed rails can help those with ALS get up in the morning. Bathroom safety products for ALS such as a shower chairs and extendable sponge kits help them tend to everyday tasks. Dining aids can help people with ALS to continue enjoying family dinners. When loved ones become bedridden, comfort and safety are of the utmost importance. ALS communication devices can ensure that they can convey their thoughts to you, while comfort pillows can tend to every part of their bodies.
Orthotic supports can increase safety during the later stages, and mobility accessories will allow you to help them get to and from places with ease. There are many tools and resources that you can use to maintain your loved ones’ happiness as ALS progresses. Investing in home care products allows you to create a safe haven where both you and the people you care for will always feel safe and comfortable. After all, caring for someone you love is about developing and maintaining the relationship, and one of the best ways to do it is to find the right support for you from the best home care items.Being confined to bed can be tough on both the patient and the caregiver. The good news is that there are bedridden aids that make daily care much easier on everyone. Whether it’s a long-term illness, short-term bed rest or post-surgery recovery – we recommend these essential products for the highest levels of safety and comfort. Bedpads and Underpads –Machine washable and dry-able, reusable bed pads offer layers of protection against wetness from incontinence, spills or bed baths.
Allegro also offers a large selection of convenient disposable underpads to protect beds, chairs, floors and car seats. Great for pets and kids, too. No-Rinse Cleansing Products – These products will clean all your parts with no rinsing required. A must for any lengthy bed stay. You’ll be squeaky clean head to toe, without the mess of bed baths. Shop all Bath and Shower Aids Bed Rope Ladder– Makes sitting up soooo much easier. You just use the rungs to pull yourself up. Seat Assists and Lift Chairs – When standing is too hard on your own, these uplifting cushions and chairs will help you onto your feet and save energy for both you and your caregiver. Shop all Daily Living Aids Pillows & Bed Wedges – Elevate your upper body or legs to whatever position is best for your recovery, better sleep or comfort. Shop all Bed Positioners and Wedges EggCrate or Memory Foam Mattress Overlays – A cost effective way to reduce pressure and bed sores while increasing comfort.