Common Home Modifications and Adaptations for Recent Amputees

If you or a loved one has recently undergone an amputation, you know the importance of home modifications for amputees. While stairs used to be part of your routine, they are now an obstacle that can test your ingenuity and patience. Thankfully, making your home more accessible and safe doesn’t require a ton of money or time.

At PrimeCare, we specialize in top-level custom prosthetics and have extensive experience helping amputees adapt to their new lives. We're committed to sharing our knowledge to empower amputees and their families, ensuring they have the information and support they need to navigate this new chapter successfully.

Overall Home Improvements for Amputees

When it comes to things amputees need, there are some simple yet effective tips to keep in mind to improve your living space’s safety, accessibility, and overall comfort:

Declutter and Organize

Consider adding more storage throughout your home to help maintain clear paths for optimal mobility, especially if you're using mobility aids or a prosthetic limb.

Seek Assistance

Amputees and housework don't always go hand-in-hand, so don't hesitate to make outside arrangements with a friend or family member to clean your space. This can be especially helpful during the initial adjustment period after receiving your prosthetic devices.

Rearrange for Support

Rearrange your furniture or add end tables to provide more support in your pathways. This can be especially beneficial for those with lower limb prostheses who are learning to walk with their prosthesis.

Implement Smart Home Devices

Consider installing smart home devices to control lighting, temperature, and security systems, making daily tasks easier for those with limb differences, including those using wrist or hand prosthetics.

These essential modifications can significantly improve your quality of life. You may also benefit from consulting an occupational therapist to identify more specific home modifications for amputees that suit your unique needs and lifestyle. Remember, the goal is to make your home work for you, not the other way around. These simple yet powerful modifications can significantly improve your quality of life.

Custom Prosthetic Solutions

We design prosthetics that fit your lifestyle and needs.

Adapting Entrance and Living Area

Home adaptations for amputees in the entryway and living area can make a significant difference in the safety and comfort of your home:

• Ramp installation: If you're in a wheelchair temporarily and have stairs leading into your home, consider investing in a short-term ramp. For a large number of stairs or steep inclines, a more permanent ramp might be necessary.
• Handrails for stability: Another useful addition for leg amputees includes handrails to provide stability on uneven terrain or on stairs. These can be particularly helpful when learning to navigate with a prosthetic leg.
• Improved lighting: Ensure the outside lighting is sufficient to help prevent falls or accidents when it's dark outside. Consider investing in motion sensor lighting for added convenience and safety.

Regarding doors:

1. Upper limb amputees can consider replacing rounded knobs with a door knob or lever door handles.
2. Use hinge adjustments to create more space in your door pathways, this is especially helpful for wheelchair access.
3. For wheelchair users or those with mobility aids, consider widening door pathways to ensure easy access throughout the home. You can even consider removing the doors altogether if it’s easier.

Kitchen Improvements to Increase Mobility

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and it's essential that it remains a functional and enjoyable space for you. Amputees at home can make several kitchen adjustments to elevate their culinary independence and make food prep safer and more convenient.

• Optimize storage: Use lower cabinets for items that you need on a daily basis and keep most-used items on the countertop. This is particularly helpful for those with upper limb prostheses, such as shoulder or above-the-elbow prosthetics.
• Adapt food preparation: Use your kitchen table to prep food from a seated position. This can be especially useful for individuals still adjusting to their prosthetic devices or those who get tired easily.
• Use assistive kitchen tools: Kitchen equipment for amputees includes gel pads that you can place under plates or bowls to prevent them from sliding. There are also numerous specialized kitchen tools designed for one-handed use.
• Adjust faucets: Replace existing faucets with lever-style or touch-activated models for easier operation, especially beneficial for upper limb amputees.
• Consider larger changes: For more substantial modifications, consider adding pull-down shelves or removing lower-level cabinets to better accommodate a wheelchair or to create a more accessible workspace.

Implement these kitchen improvements to maintain your independence and continue to enjoy cooking and meal preparation.

Bedroom Adaptations

Your bedroom should be a haven of comfort and rest. Housing for amputees also includes bedroom adaptations:

• Lighting solutions: "Touch on" lamps for your bedside table make it easy to turn the light on and off at night without having to walk over to the light switch each time.
• Adjustable bed: Consider an adjustable bed to make it easier to get in and out, especially helpful for those with lower limb prostheses.
• Accessibility of devices: Keep your assistive devices within reach so it's easier and safer for you to get in and out of bed. This includes ensuring easy access to your prosthetic limb, whether you choose to sleep with a prosthetic device or remove it at night. You can install easy-to-reach shelves or a bedside organizer to keep essential items close at hand.
• Dressing aids: Getting dressed can be challenging for those with upper limb amputations. Dressing sticks and trees can be invaluable tools for independent dressing.

Bathroom Modifications for Amputees

Amputee shower accessories can make the process of showering and bathing significantly safer. Here are some easy tips to get you started:

• Install grab bars: Add a set of grab bars to make your bathroom more accessible. Explore many different options at a range of price points.
• Use non-slip surfaces: Add a non-slip mat (or multiple) to make the showering process and getting out of the shower safer and easier.
• Install a shower chair or seat: A shower chair or built-in shower seat can provide a safe, comfortable place to sit while bathing, especially useful for those still adjusting to their prosthetic limb.
• Adapt the showerhead: Switch your showerhead to a handheld shower option to make showering more flexible and comfortable, especially for those with prosthetic limbs.
• Organize toiletries: Create an easy-to-reach shelf that can house your soaps, and use liquid soaps in large bottles for easier handling.
• Improve toilet accessibility: Install grab bars next to the toilet for added support and safety.
• Enhance visibility: Use a night light to help you see in your bathroom in the dark to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Consider major changes: If you're open to larger modifications, you could modify your tub to create a walk-in shower, lower the sink, or remove under-cabinets to better accommodate a wheelchair or prosthetic devices.

Conclusion

Although there are difficulties that come with being an amputee, with the right adjustments in your home, you can live a safe and happy life. If you’re interested in learning more about adjusting to life with a prosthesis, our team at PrimeCare Orthotics & Prosthetics is here to help. We proudly serve Las Cruces and surrounding areas. Please contact us to learn more about how we can serve you!