What factors influence where I will live after the hospital?

Author: Sharon Jang | Reviewer: Rachel Abel | Published: 25 May 2022 | Updated: ~

After SCI, there are many factors that influence whether or not one can go home. These include:

• Not being psychologically ready.
• Inaccessible transportation or home.
• A lack of social support.

Where an individual will live after being discharged from a hospital or rehabilitation center is dependent on many factors, including:

Self-care tasks include activities such as bathing, feeding, and dressing yourself. In research, this is often measured through a test called the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Some weak evidence shows that lower levels of independence will increase the likelihood of moving into a nursing home, as one would require a higher level of care.

Those who are AIS D (i.e., those with movement and near-normal strength in at least half the muscles below the level of injury) have access to greater housing opportunities. This is related to the fact (weak evidence) that individuals with AIS D face less environmental barriers and require less housing adaptations.

One weak evidence study has found that older individuals are 4% more likely to be discharged to an extensive care unit or nursing home.

If one has pre-existing medical conditions prior to sustaining an SCI,weak evidence suggests that there is 10x greater chance of being discharged to a nursing home.

One study indicated that being able to afford adaptive equipment may increase the chances of being discharged home. This is one of the most significant factors in returning home as funding is required for adaptive equipment, renovations, care, and other supplies. It is important that an individual is able to live independently in their homes.