A Clinical Vignette on Community Transition After Inpatient Rehabilitation for a Veteran With New Spinal Cord Injury–Related Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected persons living with disabilities, especially those with spinal cord injuries, by limiting their access to care, caregiver support, and necessary supplies. This case highlights the challenges faced by SCI/D patients during inpatient rehabilitation and subsequent transition to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on a veteran who experienced complications after discharge. The VA's interdisciplinary home care team played a crucial role in mitigating these challenges by providing resources, support, and addressing issues like financial hardship, food insecurity, and adherence to bowel programs.

• 1
  The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated common issues faced by persons living with disabilities, such as food insecurity, access to caregiver support, and social isolation.
• 2
  Limitations on providing increased caregiver assistance due to the pandemic contributed to the patient's emergency department visits and increased risk of COVID-19 exposure.
• 3
  Virtual contact with family helped address the patient's depressed mood and social isolation during the pandemic.