When you return home after surgery, resting and healing should be top of mind. Thinking ahead about home accessibility after surgery or other conditions that impact your mobility can make a big difference in your comfort, safety and independence once you’re home. The right modifications beforehand are key to helping prevent re-injury and making recovery less stressful. 

In this article, we’ll explore the types of conditions that may affect mobility and ways to make your home more accessible. We’ll also briefly highlight Medicare coverage facts and temporary modification ideas. 

What Conditions or Surgeries Can Cause Mobility Issues During Recovery?

Certain surgeries and medical conditions can cause weakness, problems with balance, limited range of motion and other mobility issues. While in some cases these changes may be temporary, they can make your usual household tasks challenging as you recover. 

Common conditions or surgeries that may affect mobility include:

• Orthopedic surgeries such as hip or knee replacement, bone fracture repair or spinal surgery
• Cardiac or abdominal surgeries, which can cause fatigue and limit bending or lifting
• General surgery, which can cause temporary mobility challenges due to pain and inflammation
• Amputations or injuries that require assistive devices or learning how to move differently 
• Neurological conditions, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis

It’s important to plan home accessibility improvements before returning home from the hospital for surgery or other treatments, because even routine tasks like bathing, cooking, showering and getting out of bed can create risks while you’re still recovering.

How Can You Improve Accessibility in Your House While You Recover? 

Improving accessibility in your home should start with a home safety evaluation to identify potential hazards and necessary modifications. This way adjustments can be tailored to your specific needs.

A home safety assessment can be done by an occupational therapist, physical therapist, licensed social worker or other licensed healthcare professional. 

Here are some changes to consider based on room:

• Bathroom. Install grab bars near the toilet and shower, consider using a raised toilet seat or shower chair, add non-slip bathmats and improve lighting, if necessary. 
• Bedroom. Remove clutter and clear walking paths, ensure your bed height is even with your knees so your feet touch the floor when sitting and keep firm chairs nearby for dressing and other support. 
• Kitchen. Move items you use most often to waist or shoulder height to avoid bending or reaching overhead.
• Entryways and stairs. Make sure these areas are well-lit, install handrails or temporary ramps and remove obstacles. 

Other helpful tips include:

• Removing throw rugs, electrical cords and clutter
• Keeping frequently used items within easy reach
• Stocking up on essential items such as food and toiletries ahead of time
• Installing nightlights or motion-sensor lighting in hallways, bathrooms and stairwells

The occupational therapist or healthcare professional who provides your home safety evaluation may have additional suggestions and tips, based on your specific situation.

What Medical Equipment Can Be Used to Help with Mobility?

If you have limited mobility after surgery or related to another condition, assistive devices can help you move around and perform daily tasks more safely. 

These devices include: 

• Mobility aids, such as canes, walkers, crutches or wheelchairs depending on your mobility needs
• Bathing and toileting aids, like shower chairs, tub transfer benches, handheld showerheads, grab bars and raised toilet seats
• Daily living aids, including reacher or grabber tools for picking up items, dressing sticks, sock aids, long-handled sponges for bathing and leg lifter straps 

Other helpful mobility tools include:

• Adjustable over-bed tables for meals and reading
• Bedside commodes
• Sturdy, firm-backed chairs 
• Braces or immobilizers 
• Lift chairs

Discuss your specific needs with your physical or occupational therapist. They can recommend the right devices and teach you how to use them properly.

Does Medicare Cover Home Accessibility Improvements?

Medicare does not cover permanent home modifications like grab bars, ramps, or widened doorways because these changes are considered “home improvements,” rather than medically necessary expenses.

Medicare Part B may cover durable medical equipment (DME) like commodes, walkers, wheelchairs and hospital beds if your doctor prescribes them as medically required. 

If you meet homebound status criteria, you may also qualify for home health services such as skilled nursing care, physical or occupational therapy and medical social services provided in your home if such care is considered medically necessary and ordered by your doctor. 

Temporary Home Accessibility Modifications  

Some mobility challenges associated with your recovery may be temporary, so short-term modifications might be sufficient while you’re healing. 

Temporary adjustments may include:

• Portable ramps to use in entryways
• Grab bars with suction mounts that can be removed after recovery 
• Adjustable shower chairs, bed rails or removable commodes
• Making wider pathways in your home by rearranging furniture 

Sometimes it’s possible to rent or borrow the items you need through medical supply companies or local community programs.