Multiple Sclerosis & Patient lifts

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS for short, is a progressive neurological disorder. MS is characterized by periods of focal disease of the cranial nerves, spinal cord and brain. The disease affects a significant number of young adults. They are usually confronted with future functional losses (progressive).

MS causes a wide range of neurological disorders (fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, ataxia, visual impairments ...) with mobility limitations as the most common cause of disability. Within 10 to 15 years after the onset of the disease, 80% of people with MS have experience with mobility problems due to muscle weakness or spasticity, fatigue and balance disorders. To enhance mobility, people with MS often use mobility-supporting technology, such as lifting systems and transfer aids. The type, severity and also the frequency of the symptoms will determine the progression of multiple sclerosis and the need for assistive technology.

This technology includes many different assistive devices:

• Ankle - foot orthoses
• Hip flexors - orthoses
• Crutches - walking sticks
• Rollators
• Wheelchairs (manual and electric)
• Scooters

Implications of MS

Specifically, multiple sclerosis has implications on both cognitive (communication, social interaction, memory) and physical level during activities of daily living such as: eating, dressing, moving to bed - bath - toilet, moving, taking stairs ... This will not only lead to limitations but even to a handicap because of the problems with driving, social integration and so on.

To limit this as much as possible, one must make adjustments to the surroundings/ home and also to his/her habits. In this way one can remain independent and participate in society for as long as possible.

Examples include:

• Use a chair with armrests
• Wear easily removable clothing
• Use a higher toilet
• Place grab bars
• Move to the ground floor or arrange for a stair lift
• Use lifting systems for the transfer to bed / bath / toilet
• …

Patient lifts as an assistive device

Handi-Move can help you choose the appropriate lifting system.

Financial government intervention is certainly possible.

Contact your social assistant or directly your local government funds services to support disabled people.