Home Modifications for Stroke and Brain Injury Recovery

After a stroke or brain injury some people have difficulty doing the things they need to do or want to do around their home. Problems with balance may cause some people to have difficulty going up the stairs to their bedroom, climbing over the side of the tub, or working in the kitchen. Impaired hand function may lead to difficulty cutting vegetables, turning a key in a lock, or working a remote control. An occupational therapist can help you identify home modifications that can make it easier to participate in your daily activities. Here are a few home modifications I have found helpful.

Simple Home Modifications

Tub transfer bench - This bench reaches outside of the tub so you can sit down and slide across rather than climb over the side of the tub.

Lever Door Handles - Using a lever to push the door open requires less hand and forearm strength. You can even use different body parts like an elbow to open the door.

Keypad "lock" - Turning a key in a lock requires significant strength and dexterity. Using a push button keypad can make unlocking the door much easier. Many people also like this option because they can share their code with emergency services or caregivers.

More Extensive Home Modifications

Stairlift - When climbing the stairs is unsafe or even too tiring a stairlift can be installed to help you up the stairs.

Walk in shower - Although the tub bench listed above is a very helpful modification some people prefer to adapt their shower into a walk in shower. There are many different styles, some showers have a small lip to climb over while some are “roll in” showers that can accommodate a shower wheelchair.

Pedestal sink - If you use a wheelchair in your home it can be very difficult to pull up to the bathroom sink to complete your grooming. A pedestal sink does not have cabinets underneath to block your legs and can be much easier to pull up to.

Resources

While some home modifications may be low or no cost, many home modifications can be quite expensive. Here in Chicago, Illinois we do have some resources to assist with home modifications. The Illinois Department of Human Services provides a number of programs that can help with home modifications. The Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has a home modification program for people living in Chicago.

If you think home modifications might help you do the things you need to do and want to do in your home, contact us today!