Accessible living: Home upgrades for life with SMA

Last updated July 11, 2025, by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
✅ Fact-checked by Patrícia Silva, PhD

 

Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) comes with unique day-to-day challenges, but making use of accessible home upgrades for SMA can go a long way in improving your accessibility and comfort. Even a few small, practical changes in your home can support both safety and independent living with SMA.

Not everyone will need all of these SMA home modifications, but it can be helpful knowing that a range of wheelchair-accessible home designs is available.

Before starting major renovations, consider getting an occupational therapy home assessment. An occupational therapist can help identify which upgrades would support your current and future needs. That’s especially important with SMA, where needs may change over time.

Entrance and door modifications

The ease of entering and moving through your home makes a difference, especially when life gets busy. Making entrances and doorways more accessible can improve safety and convenience.

Some accessible home upgrades for SMA to consider for your doors and entryways include:

  • widening doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices
  • installing ramps with handrails or a vertical platform lift for easier access to your home’s entrance
  • creating a no-step entry for smoother access
  • ensuring there are at least two accessible entrances in case of an emergency
  • replacing traditional doorknobs with lever-style handles that are easier to use, or adding doorknob extenders
  • adding automatic doors with motion sensors or remote opening capability
  • adding extra outdoor and indoor lighting at entryways for better visibility.

Smart home technology integration

Smart home devices for disabilities can help you do more on your own, and use less energy doing it. Home automation for limited mobility can simplify daily routines and make it easier to manage your space independently.

Some ideas for using assistive technology for SMA at home include:

  • voice-activated assistants to control lights, fans, or appliances
  • smart thermostats that learn your preferred temperature settings
  • lighting with motion sensors or smart lights that can be dimmed, brightened, or scheduled
  • app-controlled security systems, doorbells, and locks
  • smart window shades that open and close automatically
  • robotic vacuums with app-based controls.

Implementing smartphone technology

Smartphone technology now is playing an increasing role in autonomy and home accessibility for SMA. Today’s smartphones offer accessibility features that let you customize gestures or slight body or facial movements to make commands and tasks easier. If hand function is an issue, a phone mount can make it more comfortable to stay connected.

Some people also make use of a 3D-printed adaptive stylus designed for their specific grip needs. If you have difficulty with speech, you can use augmentative and alternative communication tools to give voice commands.

Bathroom adaptations

Slippery surfaces and cramped bathrooms can be difficult to navigate for people dealing with SMA-related muscle weakness and balance issues. Adapting this space helps protect your safety and privacy while making personal hygiene tasks easier.

SMA-friendly bathroom modifications to consider may include:

  • a wide, roll-in shower with a handheld showerhead and a shower chair or wall-mounted bench
  • smaller textured tiles or slip-resistant flooring
  • grab bars on the walls near the toilet, shower, and sink
  • a toilet with a raised seat and built-in safety rails on both sides
  • a smart toilet, bidet/toilet combination, or a bidet attachment seat to increase toileting independence   
  • a sink with open space below to accommodate a wheelchair, with lowered towel rods and mirrors for easier access
  • lever-style or touchless sink faucets
  • motion-activated lights for hands-free use.

In any bathroom, it’s important to never use towel rods as grab bars.

Bedroom accessibility

A more accessible bedroom supports better rest. A ground-floor bedroom is often ideal. You may also need equipment to help with mobility and nighttime positioning.

Helpful adaptive home equipment for SMA in the bedroom includes:

  • a hospital-style, height-adjustable bed to ease transfers and provide better support
  • bed rails or grab bars for added stability
  • nightlights or low-level lighting to avoid accidents in the dark
  • lowered closet rods or open shelving for easier reach
  • furniture with rounded edges and stable bases to prevent injury
  • lift devices or portable hoists for safe transfers in and out of bed.

Kitchen adjustments to aid with independence

Preparing meals and sharing time in the kitchen can be part of your routine with a few modifications.

In fact, research shows that making homes more accessible can not only improve safety and independence but also support better mental health and increase social involvement. The goal is to keep everything within reach and make tasks less physically demanding.

If you’re considering remodeling for mobility impairments, certain kitchen modifications can help to make meal prep more enjoyable and improve home safety for people with SMA. Among such modifications are:

  • lowered countertops, stovetops, and sinks for easier access
  • sliding cabinet doors and D-shaped drawer pulls for an easier grip
  • a refrigerator with a bottom freezer
  • pull-out counters and cutting boards
  • a touchless or lever-handle faucet
  • adequate floor space between and under work areas to accommodate a wheelchair.

Flooring and open space planning

Designing home accessibility for SMA starts with open, navigable spaces and safe flooring. Planning the layout with mobility in mind makes it easier to move around with confidence.

A barrier-free home design may also prevent injuries and support long-term mobility needs. If you or someone in your home has SMA, consider these ideas when remodeling:

  • Choose hard, smooth flooring like tile or hardwood instead of carpeting.
  • Avoid rugs or mats that may shift or cause tripping.
  • Use transition strips between different types of flooring.
  • Make doorways and hallways wide and clutter-free.
  • Arrange furniture to create open paths for mobility devices.
  • Secure heavy furniture to the wall to prevent tipping.

Plan ahead and find help with costs

The costs of home modifications can add up quickly, so it helps to plan early and look into financial support options. Before starting major renovations, it’s a good idea to consider how long you plan to stay in your current home and how your needs may change.

In the short term, portable or assistive devices or a pole grip may be helpful options. Widening a doorway can be as simple as removing a door and doorframe.

While not a complete list, the following resources may offer or connect you with sources of funding for disability home renovations:

Independence and mobility are especially meaningful goals for people in the neuromuscular disease community, with 64% of individuals and families saying these are among their top priorities.

Many adults living with SMA have a positive mindset about maintaining productivity and autonomy, fueling a strong interest in tools and services that make daily life easier. Accessible housing and adaptive solutions can empower you to do more, connect more, and live life on your terms.

SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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