Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder: Home Modifications

Having a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D) may mean that your ability to move has changed. You might have to use assistive devices, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, to get from place to place. Because of this, your home may need some changes to make it safe and to allow you to be as independent and functional as possible in that space. Home modification can mean small changes, such as new door handles that are easier to grip and turn or larger changes, such as installing a new entryway or remodeling a bathroom. You will need to think about how to adapt your home to best suit your needs.

This is a big task, but you will have help along the way. VA can assist you in this process and has financial resources that may help you with some of the modifications. 

Thinking about your needs

Your SCI/D team will talk with you about your home and accessibility. Do you live in a house or apartment? Will you live alone, with family or friends? What kinds of tasks do you want and need to do at home? What barriers currently exist that will prevent you from being independent? Will a wheelchair fit through all your doorways? Can you reach the kitchen counters? Can you get in and out of your shower? These are some of the questions you will need to answer when thinking about home modifications. You and your SCI/D team will help determine which changes need to be made to make it right for you.

Evaluating your home

If needed, members of your SCI/D team may visit your home and help you evaluate what needs to be changed to allow you to optimize your safety and independence. If you live far from your SCI/D Center, your team may also work with you and your family/friends to virtually assess your home or they may ask that you help complete a survey about your home (this will include details such as doorway widths, bathroom dimensions, hallways). This information will help give your team a clear picture of your home environment so that they can make appropriate recommendations for you. Some changes may include:

• Adding ramps or lifts for entries, exits, and thresholds

• Putting down non-skid surface materials

• Widening doors and hallways

• Modifying walkways around the house and entrances

• Changing heights of outlets, light switches, closets, and counters

• Adapting the bathroom to allow for easier toileting and bathing

• Adjusting or changing appliances and kitchen cabinets

• Organizing space to allow for a wheelchair to move safely

Making changes to your home

Equipment provided by the VA, such as grab bars and modular ramps, are installed by VA-approved contractors. For small changes such as installing new door handles, you may do it yourself or ask someone you know to do the work. There are often local community groups that are willing to help Veterans with small modifications–you may want to check with your local social worker or VSO to see what is available in your community. Larger projects, such as widening hallways and doorways, may need to be done by an independent contractor.

Paying for changes to your home

As a Veteran, you may qualify for certain government programs that can assist in covering some of the costs to modify your home. Ask your SCI/D team for information about how to apply for these resources. Learn more about VA’s Housing Adaptation programs to adapt or modify your home.

A work in progress

Keep in mind that adapting your home to best meet your needs is a work in progress. Keep notes of any problems as they happen. Talk with your SCI/D team about what works and what doesn’t. They can help you adjust your home as needed over time.