Muscular Dystrophy

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Things to Consider When Choosing a Home for Muscular Dystrophy Patients

By Cyra Miles May 23, 2009 - 5:47am
 
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A rare genetic disorder, Muscular Dystrophy weakens the body muscles and eventually affects also the skeletal muscles.

The population of Muscular Dystrophy patients is mostly male children. This hereditary ailment is difficult to recognize as children who suffer this disorder are diagnosed in the later stage. They generally go through normal childhood development however understanding the symptoms that characterize Muscular Dystrophy is helpful.

The disability level of Muscular Dystrophy patients increases as the patients grow older. Their disability can extend to scenarios like the inability to perform the basic functions in life like walking, climbing stairs, taking a bath and so on. Because of these limitations, parents of Muscular Dystrophy patients have to understand profoundly what the disability will bring to the patient and to family members.

The right home will be helpful not only to the patient but also to the family members. Here are few things to consider when choosing a home for Muscular Dystrophy patients.

One-story house. It is always the best option to have a one-story house. Mobility will be much easier as Muscular Dystrophy patients face difficulty in using stairs and taking other elevated areas.

Accessible home facilities. Because Muscular Dystrophy patients struggle with their mobility, a wheelchair will be necessary. Bearing this in mind, you have to consider that Muscular Dystrophy patients in wheelchairs can only reach certain heights. To help the patient’s mobility, try fixing the light switches, kitchen counterparts, shelves, door knobs, and other home features to a certain height that is reachable by the patient.

Improving mobility within the house. Wider sideways and hallways will be primary factors in improving mobility within the house. You may wish also to install grab bars in areas where it will be helpful for the patients to move around. It is highly recommended to use non-skid materials on all floor areas.

There are more ways to create space or improve mobility within your house.

 
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We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Cyra Miles View Profile Send Message

Cyra Miles is a freelance writer living in Abu Dhabi, UAE and her areas of interest are travel, events & holidays, ...

http://www.thepassionateslave.com/

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