Moving To A New Home: Special Considerations for People with MS

In addition to checking for open spaces, it's a good idea to take along a measuring tape to determine heights of storage cabinets, controls, and work spaces. You'll want your new home to have an accessible layout of those design elements that you plan to use constantly. In addition, some apartment units offer stoves with controls at the front or center of the range top to avoid the need to reach around hot pots.

Walls and Floors: Grab bars on bathroom walls are a definite plus for safety's sake. In addition, be aware that wheelchair use and foot-drag are made more difficult by thick carpeting. Smooth nonskid floors are beneficial for those with mobility impairments. Check to see that Interior area rugs and lobby mats are in good condition, and firmly secured to the floor with double-sided carpet tape or non-slip backing.

Universal Design: If you're lucky, your next home may have been built using the Universal Design concept. The idea behind Universal Design is to create dwellings and buildings that address the needs of all people--not just the average healthy young adult. That means barriers to accessible living are eliminated, thereby creating a home that will be suitable for an owner's entire life span. There are seven basic components of Universal Design:

1. Equitable: The dwelling is suitable for a variety of ability levels
2. Flexible: Fixtures and controls can be used with right or left hand at an individual's pace
3. Simple: Logical, easy-to-understand design elements
4. Perceptible: Information is conveyed universally; i.e., large print, pictures, lights
5. Safe: Design minimizes hazards
6. Low Effort: Design minimizes sustained physical effort
7. Spacious: Provides adequate size and space to reach and to allow assistance, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or level of mobility.

Unfortunately, Universal Design is not exactly universally available in the U.S. Although the movement is gaining momentum, more advocacy and progress are needed to bring this style of building design to the masses.

Planning Your Move:

Now that you've found your little corner of paradise, it's a good idea to plan a moving day strategy. Relocation expert, Beverly D. Roman of The Insiders' Guide to Relocation, writes:

"Already, you are aware of what you or your family member with special needs require in the form of handrails, walkways, outside ramps [and] doorway openings….[B]efore you actually move, research the facilities and extended services you require that will be available in the new community."

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