Equipment and Home Modifications
When someone goes to inpatient rehabilitation, or even before they go, it’s a good time to start thinking about changes their home might need. One of the most important things to do first is make sure the way into their home is easy for wheelchair usage.
One person who was in a study said that thinking about all the medical equipment they needed for home felt “chaotic”. To help with this, we have put together information and links to different places (from government grants to nonprofit assistance and specialized contractor loans) that can help you find equipment. There are many kinds of equipment that can help people with SCI go back home.
Home Wheelchair Ramps
National Ramp
Home Modifications
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Wheelchair User Home Modifications
United Spinal Association
Standards for Accessible Design
ADA.gov
U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
Besides changing your home, you might need different kinds of equipment, like a hospital bed or a chair for the shower, for a short or long time. Make sure to talk with your rehabilitation team so you know who will order the equipment. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what you’ll need at home right away, so things might happen fast as you get ready to leave the hospital. Talking often with the rehabilitation team helps everyone know what is going on.
Read the Durable Medical Equipment Guide by American Spinal Injury for an overview.