Home Improvements and Modifications for Aging in Place

As more adults choose to remain in their homes later in life, aging in place has become an important consideration for families, caregivers, and homeowners alike. Staying at home offers older adults comfort, independence, and a sense of routine that can be hard to replace. In fact, three-quarters of adults 50 years and older would prefer to remain in their homes as they age, according to a survey by AARP.

But as mobility, vision, and everyday needs change over time, even familiar spaces may need updates to stay safe and functional. Though many of us won’t be able to live independently forever, the right home modifications can help make daily life easier. Whether they’re living in a single-story condo in Dallas, TX or a three-story home in Portland, OR, there are modifications that can be made to every home to help make daily tasks a little easier.

Helpful home modifications

As we grow older our bodies and capabilities change, and not all homes are designed to support this challenge we’ll face. A lot of times doorways are too narrow, bathrooms too small, floors too slippery, and kitchen cabinets too high to reach. 

Optimizing a home for safe, comfortable living is an important part of helping aging loved ones remain independent for as long as possible.. From simple updates to larger remodeling projects, the right modifications can make it easier to move through the home and complete everyday tasks with greater confidence. 

General home modifications to aid in mobility

• Install handrails: Add support along stairs, hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms to improve balance. 
• Upgrade the lighting: Use bright LED bulbs, touch-activated lamps, and night lights to improve visibility. 
• Install lever door handles: Replace round doorknobs with easier-to-use lever handles. . These do not require the same level of grip.
• Install a stairlift: This is a great alternative when walking up stairs becomes more difficult. Install light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs to prevent your loved one from using the stairs in the dark.
• Install automated blinds: Let older adults adjust blinds without standing, reaching, or bending. 
• Create an open floor plan: Widen walkways and reduce clutter to improve mobility. 
• Replace hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl flooring for carpet: Add a softer, more consistent surface if a wheelchair isn’t needed. 

For the living room

• Rearrange furniture and remove clutter: Leave clear pathways to reduce tripping hazards. 
• Install anti-slip mats: Add rug grips or strips to improve traction and help prevent slips. 
• Replace unsteady furniture: Remove wobbly pieces and add bumpers to sharp edges. 

For the kitchen

• Keep daily-use items accessible: Store essentials between waist and shoulder height. 
• Consider purchasing a stovetop with an automatic shut-off feature: Help reduce safety risks if the stove is left on. 
• Install a hands-free faucet and anti-scald device: Make water use easier and help prevent burns. 
• Replace kitchen cabinets and adjust counter and sink height: Add pull-out storage and choose heights that are easier to use while seated. 
• Adjust the location of major appliances: Keep the oven, sink, and refrigerator within easy reach. 

For the bathroom

• Add adhesive strips to a bath mat in showers and tubs: This can help prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
• Install non-skid strips in case the flooring becomes slippery: Try to avoid ceramic tile as this can become slick when it’s wet.
• Install a walk-in bathtub or a shower transfer bench: This can greatly reduce the chances of slipping and falling. Climbing in and out of a traditional bathtub or standing for an extended period of time may become more difficult.
• Install grab bars or rails in bathtubs and near the toilet: Provide extra support and help prevent falls. 
• Install a raised toilet seat: An elevated toilet seat decreases the distance between standing and sitting.

For the home’s exterior

• Create at least one no-step entry into the home: Add a ramp for easier access in and out of the home. 
• Add exterior lighting and landscape lighting: Improve visibility on walkways and stairs. 
• Install handrails: Add handrails on both sides of walkways for extra support and balance.
• Choose low maintenance materials: Opt for vinyl siding, metal roofing, composite decking, and low maintenance landscaping.
• Install a security system: A home security system can give your loved one a sense of security and protection.

How to pay for home modifications

While the upfront costs for a remodel can quickly add up, modifying a home is ultimately one of the most financially sound decisions a family can make. 

As Brandon Blakeley of Mirador Living points out, “From a financial perspective, modifications for aging in place are among the savviest home renovations you can make.” An investment of “a few thousand dollars in grab bars, handrails, and better lighting can help keep a senior safely at home for years longer.” When you consider that “the average cost of assisted living is over $6,000 per month, that’s an investment that pays for itself many times over.” Of course, if a massive multi-story property requires too many costly structural overhauls, it may be worth calculating whether it is instead the right time to downsize your home into a simpler, single-story layout to completely bypass the stress of a major renovation.

To help offset those initial renovation bills, it is highly recommended to research local and national assistance programs. Financial help is often available through resources like Medicare Advantage, Non-Medicaid Government assistance, Medicaid HCBS Waivers, Veterans programs, and various non-profit organizations. These groups can sometimes provide home improvement grants, equipment loans, or low-interest financing options. 

As you’re crunching the numbers, just keep in mind that the total cost is split into two components: labor and materials. It’s an important distinction to plan for, as the cost of labor for installing specialized equipment is oftentimes not covered by standard insurance.

Create a support system with senior care and services

Forming a support system for your loved one is a big part of aging in place. Besides the support from family members, it’s a good idea to consider senior care and services for your aging parent. There is a network of services available, including meal delivery, nurses, transportation, and house cleaning services.

In-home care services are also offered at various levels depending on the situation. On days when you’re unavailable, an elder companion could spend time with your loved one to prevent social isolation. In-home caregivers can provide help with day-to-day activities like cooking, grooming, or shopping, while also making sure your loved one is safe in their home.

Introduce technology into your loved one’s home

Assistive technology solutions, smart home features, and tech gadgets can be used to help simplify everyday tasks, promote independence, and stay safe while aging in place. There are all sorts of devices, like medical alert devices to signal for help, assistive seating devices to lift your loved one into the standing position, and smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely.

Individual results may vary.
This is not intended as a substitute for the services of a licensed and bonded home services professional.

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