Utilization of Home Modification-Related Durable Medical Equipment: Rural–Urban Veterans Disparities

Home modification services, including durable medical equipment (HM-DME), are crucial for helping veterans age in place. While the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides these services, rural veterans may face limited access due to health care disparities. This study analyzed HM-DME service use in VHA facilities within Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8, focusing on the proportion of veterans who received the service, common medical conditions, and specific types of HM-DME, using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square tests. The results showed that 19.7% of veterans received at least one HM-DME, with most of these services focused on improving bathroom safety. Despite the higher prevalence of health issues among rural veterans, there were no significant differences in service utilization between rural and urban veterans. These findings highlight possible gaps in service delivery in VISN 8 and emphasize the importance of enhancing continuous access to HM-DME services, especially for veterans living in rural areas.