From Hospital to Home: Transitioning Safely After a Spinal Cord Injury
Leaving hospital after a spinal cord injury (SCI) is a significant step — but adjusting to life at home can be a tough and emotional shift. With changes to mobility, routines, and support needs, the return home often brings new challenges that aren't always obvious at first.
Here on the Gold Coast, there are services, resources, and professionals who can help ease this transition. Whether it’s support with home modifications, rehab planning, or simply knowing where to start, getting the right team around you makes a big difference.
If your injury was the result of a motor vehicle accident in Queensland, you may also be eligible for support through the NIISQ (National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland). NIISQ provides lifetime funding for treatment, care and support for people who’ve sustained serious personal injuries — including spinal cord injuries — in road accidents. Your care team can help you understand what’s available and how to apply.
1. Preparing Your Home Environment
Making your home safer and more accessible can ease the return and reduce the risk of injury or frustration. An occupational therapist can help identify what needs to change — things like:
Installing ramps, grab rails or wider doorways
Setting up accessible bathroom equipment (shower chairs, raised toilet seats)
Adjusting bed or seating height for easier transfers
These changes don’t have to be fancy — just functional and tailored to your needs. If you’re an NDIS or NIISQ participant, your therapist can also assist with reports for home modifications and equipment applications.
2. Getting the Right Equipment
Everyday tasks become more manageable with the right tools. Depending on your level of injury, you may need mobility aids, pressure cushions, transfer boards, or other assistive tech. A good therapist can help trial and fine-tune these with you, making sure they’re comfortable, safe, and suited to your goals.
There are also local suppliers on the Gold Coast who can help organise delivery and support ongoing adjustments as needed.
3. Starting a Rehab Program That Works for You
Rehab doesn’t end when you leave hospital — in fact, that’s when personalised therapy really becomes important. Rehab goals might include:
Improving strength and endurance
Learning safe transfer techniques
Managing spasticity or pain
Regaining hand and arm function
Some people benefit from hydrotherapy, seated exercise programs, or hands-on physio depending on their presentation. What’s important is that rehab fits your goals, not the other way around.
4. Linking In With Community and Support
Navigating life after SCI is much easier with community around you. Connecting with others who’ve had similar experiences can offer both emotional support and practical advice.
Useful organisations include:
Spinal Life Australia – Advocacy, peer support, and local services
SCIA – Spinal Cord Injuries Australia – Resources and NDIS help
Local peer groups – Reach out to community centres or online forums for options in the Gold Coast area
Even just chatting with someone who’s “been there” can ease the pressure of trying to figure it all out alone.
5. Consider In-Home Therapy Options
If you’re not ready to get out and about straight away, ask whether home visits are available. Working on daily activities like bed transfers, wheelchair navigation, or using your own bathroom can be especially useful in your own environment. Plus, it keeps things practical and personalised.
6. Looking Ahead — Planning for the Long Term
Whether you’re aiming to return to work, reconnect with hobbies, or just manage day-to-day life more easily, it helps to have a plan. Support coordinators, allied health, and community groups can assist with longer-term planning and help you stay on track with your goals.
If you’re unsure where to find the right support coordinator:
Speak with your GP, hospital social worker or therapist
Use the NDIS Provider Finder at ndis.gov.au
Ask others in online or in-person SCI groups who they’ve had good experiences with
If you’re supported by NIISQ, your appointed support planner can also help coordinate services and connect you with appropriate providers.
Final Thoughts
Returning home after a spinal cord injury takes time, patience, and support. Everyone’s experience is different, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out, ask questions, and lean on your community — whether that’s local health professionals, peer groups, or family and mates.
A safe, supported transition is possible — one step at a time.
Author: Maggie Hosner
Physiotherapist @ Physio Express