Adapting Your Home After an Injury

Suffering a serious injury can be an earth-shattering and life-changing event. Learning to navigate your new way of living while also trying to deal with the aftermath of the injury and figuring out how to cope mentally and physically is daunting and challenging, but you shouldn’t lose hope. Certain elements of your life may need to be modified, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose your independence.

After an injury, you might find that you struggle with certain physical tasks, and there are a few ways in which you can adapt your home in order to make this new way of living a little easier and more manageable for yourself. Depending on the nature of your injury, some of these home adaptations might be helpful in taking care of yourself and regaining your independence.

Adapting Your Home After an Injury

Bathroom Adaptations

One of the more challenging aspects of having a physical disability is how it impacts your ability to take showers, baths and use the toilet. Fortunately, there are many modifications that can be added to your bathroom in order to make everything easier, more manageable and more comfortable. Seating in a shower could be a great help and adding bars to grip onto in either a shower or a bath is important to prevent slipping. If needed, you can also invest in adaptive equipment for toileting to make things easier.

Ramps

If you have found yourself in a wheelchair after an injury, it can be difficult to come to terms with your new way of moving around. Making things as easy and comfortable as possible for yourself is important. Wheelchair maneuvering can be made easier and more accessible with ramps. Having ramps installed at your front door and other raised areas in your home will help you to get around smoothly. However, if you live in a duplex, you might want to discuss your options with other members of your household.

Railings

Having railings all around your home and not only in the bathroom might be a good idea if you think you need them. This can help you to get around more easily and have some more peace of mind that you have something to help you balance and prevent slips and falls. A bed safety rail is another great idea to help you get in and out of bed safely and with ease. Larger bed rails can also aid with safety during the night and help prevent accidental falls.

Panic Buttons

Equipping your home or yourself with a panic button will be good for your peace of mind, especially in the early stages of your recovery. Particularly for those who might live independently, knowing that you can easily make contact with someone to assist you in the case of an emergency is important for feeling safe and taking care of your physical health. In

the case of a fall or any other emergency, pressing a panic button can alert someone that you are in trouble and need help immediately.