Accessible housing after spinal cord injury

Finding the right home after a spinal cord injury (SCI) can make a big difference to your independence, safety, and quality of life.

Whether you’re looking for temporary accommodation, long-term housing or modifications to your current home, having an accessible environment can help make everyday tasks easier and more comfortable.

Everyone’s needs will be different depending on mobility, equipment and support requirements, but there are some common features worth considering when searching for accessible housing.

What to look for in accessible housing

When exploring housing options, it can help to think about how easily you can move through and use the space independently.

Some important features to consider include:

  • Ideally, entrances and pathways should have:

    • Level flooring

    • No steps or raised thresholds

    • Smooth access throughout the home

    If steps are present, you may want to consider whether ramps or modifications could be installed.

  • Wheelchair-accessible homes often benefit from:

    • Wider doorways

    • Larger hallways

    • Open-plan living areas

    • Enough room to turn and move around comfortably

    This is particularly important in:

    • Bedrooms

    • Bathrooms

    • Kitchens

    • Entryways

    If you use equipment such as hoists or shower commodes, extra space may also be needed.

  • Accessible design can make day-to-day tasks safer and easier.

    Helpful features may include:

    • Roll-in or level-entry showers

    • Height-adjustable benches and vanities

    • Knee clearance under sinks and benches

    • Accessible taps and fittings

    • Non-slip flooring

    The right setup can support greater independence with personal care, cooking, and household tasks.

  • Some people also choose to include accessible technology features such as:

    • Electronic door openers

    • Automated blinds

    • Smart lighting

    • Voice-controlled systems

    • Accessible heating and cooling controls

    These types of modifications can improve both convenience and independence.

  • If you drive or travel with mobility equipment, it’s worth considering:

    • Undercover parking

    • Wide parking spaces

    • Covered access between the vehicle and home entrance

    • Easy unloading of wheelchairs and equipment

    These features can make everyday travel and transfers more practical, especially during poor weather.

Finding accessible housing in South Australia

In South Australia, estara regularly shares information about available accessible housing and accommodation opportunities for people living with disability and spinal cord injury.

You can also search for accessible housing through:

Housing Hub includes listings for:

  • Accessible rentals

  • Homes for purchase

  • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

  • Housing providers and support services

Home modifications can help you stay where you are

Sometimes small or large modifications to your existing home can make it safer and more accessible, allowing you to remain living independently in a familiar environment.

Common home modifications may include:

  • Ramps and rails

  • Bathroom renovations

  • Widened doorways

  • Ceiling hoists

  • Kitchen modifications

  • Smart home technology

How Occupational Therapists can help

Occupational Therapists (OTs) can assess your home environment and recommend modifications tailored to your needs and goals.

They can also help with:

  • Equipment recommendations

  • Funding applications

  • Accessibility assessments

  • Planning renovations and modifications

At estara, our Occupational Therapists work alongside people living with spinal cord injury and disability to create safer, more accessible living environments that support independence and daily life.

Helpful Resources

Here are some helpful links to other websites:

You may also like our own pages on:

Other useful resources/podcasts:

go back to resource hub