Multiple sclerosis care

Alfons-Hoffmann-Haus provides people with multiple sclerosis (MS) assisted living accommodation in a separate residential unit. The unit is designed to provide care and support also to younger residents with MS, focusing support on the symptoms of this disease and shaping daily routines to suit the residents.

To ensure these key aspects, the residential unit was located on the ground floor of the new residence with easy access to the public cafeteria and the garden on the same level. At the centre of the residential unit is a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, in which residents can enjoy the company of others. The adjoining single and double rooms, each with its own bathroom, ensure privacy when residents wish to spend time on their own.

In the residential unit, the aim is to support the residents’ customary daily routines. By focusing on the residents’ biographies, the daily routine is adapted to their lifestyles, with residents getting up and going to bed and taking meals at different times, with group and individual engagement activities, by enabling residents to help with domestic duties and support provided when they participate in social life.

Care is focused on the special requirements of MS, and is provided, for instance, by staff who have completed advanced training by the German Multiple Sclerosis Association DMSG. A physiotherapy room is centrally located in the new residential unit. Symptoms are alleviated and independence supported with pain and occupational therapy, massages, aromatherapy, as well as the offer of consultations and practising relaxation methods. The team therefore includes not only qualified carers, but also social educators and occupational therapists.