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Recommended Home Modifications for Stroke Patients

A stroke can greatly impact someone’s ability to live at home in a comfortable and safe way. Stroke survivors often experience problems with their walking, coordination, and balance. The after-effects can also increase a person’s risk of falling and getting injured. The good news: home modifications for stroke patients that allow you to stay in your current living space are possible. An experienced disability home designer can make many modifications to accommodate stroke patients. Even with the various physical, cognitive, and emotional issues that a stroke may cause, it’s still possible for survivors to live independently in their own home — with the right changes.  These alterations are meant to encourage the patient’s recovery, enhance their safety, and generally offer an improved lifestyle. 
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Start with a decision to remain in your home safely.

Common Post-Stroke Remodeling Modifications

The essential focus of home modifications for stroke patients should be:

  • Installing assistive devices
  • Improving home safety
  • Reducing the patient’s fall risk

 Of course, this means you’ll need to consult an expert well-versed in home modifications for stroke survivors. They will be able to assess your loved one’s needs and suggest adjustments that best fit their situation.

For your part, spend a day or two with your loved one as they go about their life. This will help you understand their day-to-day difficulties. You can find specific solutions to increase their independence, safety, and overall comfort.

Read on to learn some common home modification ideas that might lend support to your loved one.

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Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms often present a tricky space to navigate for stroke sufferers with limited mobility. The keys are to open up the space and simplify any balance or mechanical challenges. 

  • Change a tub to a walk-in shower
  • Mount handrails in the shower/bathtub and beside the toilet
  • Use non-slip bath mats
  • Replace faucets with single-lever ones that can be operated easily with one hand
  • Add toilet chairs and shower/tub benches
  • Switch to a handheld shower head
  • Install swing-clear door hinges that offer enough space for a wheelchair or walker

Bedroom Remodel

Most of bedroom modification centers around getting in and out of bed — a task that your loved one faces at least twice a day!

  • Install rails on the bed to make getting up and down easier
  • Use risers to raise a low bed. Conversely, if the bed is too high, lower it

Kitchen Remodel

Stroke patients might initially need help with cooking. Eventually, however, it may bring them joy to get back into the kitchen and prepare meals for themselves as much as possible.

  • Install pull-out shelves
  • Remodel for roll under stove and sink
  • Use baskets in place of traditional shelves
  • Increase cabinet access with a lazy Susan
  • Provide a small, wheeled cart for carrying groceries and other kitchen supplies

Stroke affects each person differently. For some, it’s not always easy to adjust to life afterward. This is why it’s particularly important that a stroke survivor return to an environment supportive of their continued recovery, mobility, and safety.

Check over your loved one’s home to see if these changes might be necessary:

  • Wheelchair ramp installation
  • Access to a cellular phone at all times and/or an emergency alert system
  • Get rid of loose throw rugs
  • Use double-sided tape to hold carpets down
  • Keep floors free of trip hazards
  • Clear enough space for your loved one to maneuver around the house without bumping into things
  • Ensure adequate lighting in the house — especially along the hallways, doorways, and in bathrooms

To make your space ideal for recovery with the right home modifications for stroke patients, consider working with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist who can guide you through the process.

Live in Place Designs is a team of aging in place experts who specialize in accessible design and consulting. We help with all sorts of projects, from deciding on the proper wheelchair ramp for your home – to walk-in shower design – to planning a complete kitchen remodel. Contact us with your home redesign challenges today.

Our Local Solution Providers can help you and your family make confident decisions to live in place safely.
Lori Bellport

The founder of Live in Place Designs LLC, Lori Bellport is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), a Senior Home Safety Specialist, and a Certified Senior Advisor. Lori and her team believe that, regardless of the limiting health conditions one may face, there is no need to lose contact with life, spontaneity, or the ability to self-renew and enjoy life.

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