b'The bathroom needs special attention inYou can see how a similar approach would this regard. With slick surfaces and the obviouswork by clustering clothes and get-ready items water element, its a high fall-risk area. Bathroomin the bedroom or toiletries in the bathroom. redesigns could incorporate grab bars, a higherThink of creating triangles of ease throughout toilet, and open design concepts that minimizethe house. opportunities to trip or slip.Pain Management Youll want to accommodate equipmentPeople with MS often deal with muscle that supports safe movement in the space,spasticity and nerve-related pains that may too. This generally means widening doorwayscome and go but never really stop. They also and hallways. might deal with secondary pain from muscle But take a close look at the pathways ofstiffness and temperature sensitivity.the home. Where does the person with MSCertain home modications build in tools travel on a daily basis? What sort of turningfor pain management. For example, an easy-radius will they need now and in the comingaccess bathtub allows for a nice cool soak years for a walker, or a wheelchair? Does theto combat nerve pain. Induction stoves use existing home build call for larger modications,magnetism instead of ames, keeping kitchen like a ramp, stair lift, or elevator?temperatures down and lessening heat Energy Conservationdiscomfort.Ask anyone with MS and theyll tell youDont underestimate the value of a calming thatfatigueisoneofthemostpersistentspaceforpainmanagementeither.Home symptoms. When your energy is limited, youmodications can increase soothing materials, want to expend it on what matters most. colors, and architectural points.For this reason, the majority of design plansCognitive Help, Stress Relief, for MS need to support energy conservation.and Mental Health Centralize and CondenseFor many, progression of MS involves Create activity centers around the housecognitivechallengeswithattentionand based on your consistent needs. For instance,processing, or mental health changes such as you could have a kitchen center arranged fordepression. Stress also increases MS are-ups, easy coffee/tea and simple meal preparation.so you want to break that cycle where possible. Want to get really fancy? Add a nearby BluetoothBiophilic design brings the outdoors into the speaker for morning news, music, or podcastslivingspaceand,withit,thewell-studied and to control smart appliances. Stove, sink,mental health benets of nature. This could fridge, and cabinets or shelves containingencompass small green touches, such as a essentials can also all be installed near eachpotted house plant, or larger changes, such other.as a bay window with built-in seating, or the From the kitchen, an adjacent home officeaddition of an indoor garden with tall planters station: desk with comfortable chair, phonethat alleviate stooping. or tablet stand, and built-in shelves for yourSpaces for peace. Through home modication, pens, stickies, and organizers.you can redesign an existing space or add a 51 msfocusmagazine.org'