Home remodeling considerations for veterans with disabilities

Veterans with physical and mental disabilities can experience various difficulties in their old houses. Coming from the war and a period of great sacrifice, they might develop special needs that the format of their original homes might not suitably fulfill. Remodeling and other housing options might need to be considered to make sure that veterans’ needs and comfort are accommodated.

Image source: defense.gov

One can get help and funding from various local and national agencies to finance those modifications. There are also a number of non-profit organizations that can be tapped. Legally, people with disabilities have the right to make alterations to their home to make maneuvering more manageable or to ensure their safety. The same goes for renters who have conditions that necessitate such arrangements. The legal dimensions of such changes must also be verified. 

The amount of renovations will all depend on individual needs, but there are basic areas of the house that need immediate attention. Doorways and entryways should be large enough to facilitate maneuverability. Considering the mobility of the veteran and the level of disability, stairs might also pose challenges. The necessity of ramps and lifts can be reviewed as well. Handrails should be installed in sections where the veteran resident might require them.

Doorknobs, switches, and other regular home fixtures can be adjusted for accessibility. If there is enough budget for smart technology for lighting and other movement sensors that could facilitate movement for veterans with disabilities, that could be an ideal way to solve usual operations which now might be harder to perform. Safety is key for those with special needs, so hazards and possible impediments on the floor and other places must be removed.

Image source: helpingahero.org

Meredith Iler founded The Wounded Hero Home Program, which delivers home improvement and housing solutions to veterans moving into their homes. Its fundraising campaign, Helping a Hero, succeeded in providing more than 100 homes for veteran soldiers wounded on duty. To know more about her advocacies, visit this page.