Popular Home Modifications for Seniors
How to Make Your Home More Senior-Friendly
Updated Aug 4, 2023
How to Make Your Home More Senior-Friendly
SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.
Three in four older adults would prefer to age in their home1 than move to an assisted living community. We understand why remaining in your home and community sounds great; it allows you to maintain meaningful relationships. Plus, you can avoid the daunting task of downsizing!
Aging in place is ideal for many seniors, but you’ll want to make modifications to your home that keep you safe as your health and mobility change. Millions of older adults experience a fall each year, but home modifications can prevent falls, which will ultimately keep you independent for longer.
We’ve rounded up some popular home modifications for older adults to help you determine what adjustments you may need to make as you plan to safely age in place.
If you’re living alone, or just want some extra security, a home security system can provide protection against intruders. The 24/7 security monitoring offers peace of mind and is professionally installed. Plus, some systems offer bundles that include features similar to a medical alert system for seniors interested in a medical response device.
FYI: In the market for a home security system? View our list of the best home security systems for seniors.
As your mobility changes, stairs may present a challenge. For seniors with multilevel homes, a stair lift may be a necessary home modification to prevent falls. Using a motorized rail system, a stair lift moves a chair up and down a staircase. Older adults can securely sit in the chair to move between various levels of the home without climbing any steps. These systems are pricey, costing several thousand dollars. They are also a pretty permanent installation, done by a professional, so make sure this modification is really something you will use before pulling the trigger.
For seniors who use a wheelchair, walker, or motorized scooter, narrow doorways throughout the home pose a problem. Widening a doorway may seem extreme, but if you really plan to live in your home for as long as possible, it is essential to continue safely utilizing your home. A contractor will need to be hired for this home modification. In addition to adjusting the door frames, light switches often need to be relocated and rewired, so make sure you consider that in the cost.
Did You Know? The width of standard doorways is 23-27 inches. To accommodate wheelchairs, doorways should be at least 32 inches wide.
A warm bath can be therapeutic for aging joints, but getting in and out of a traditional bathtub could do more harm than good, since it's easy to slip and fall. A walk-in tub is perfect for older adults who want all the benefits of a bathtub, minus the falling hazard.
Walk-in tubs are a permanent commitment, requiring professional installation and possibly new plumbing and a water heater. You’ll definitely want to do your research before making a purchase! We’ve already done a lot of the research for you with our list of best walk-in tubs for seniors.
For seniors who prefer a shower, installing a curbless shower (sometimes called zero-entry shower) is a good idea. This eliminates the need to step into a shower, since curbless showers are flush with the floor. Most come with a chair and adjustable shower head for comfortable bathing. This modification is also accessible for seniors who use a wheelchair.
Installing grab bars and rails can be an inexpensive and less-permanent way to prevent falls in your bathroom. If you’re handy, you can install them yourself or commission a friend or family member to place them for you. They can be installed anywhere you’d like extra support, but they are commonly placed inside or outside the shower, inside the tub, and on the sides of the toilet. They should be drilled into studs when possible for maximum stability.
Getting out of bed can be a challenge for seniors who experience stiffness and decreased mobility in the mornings. A bed rail not only prevents falling out of bed during the night, but it can make getting in and out of the bed much easier. There are many different types of bed rails, configured to fit a variety of bed types. Most can be self-installed and easily removed.
Getting in and out of bed can be difficult for seniors whose beds are too high. Tall beds can also increase the risk of falling for older adults who have limited mobility and decreased balance. The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund suggests beds be 20-23 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress.2 To lower your bed, consider purchasing a new mattress or a lower-profile bed frame.
Twisting door knobs may seem like a simple task, but for older adults who have arthritis, it can be painful. Installing lever door handles in the bedroom, and throughout the home, is a quick and inexpensive way to make doors accessible to older adults with decreasing dexterity and those who use a walker. Lever door handles are much easier to use, and we think they look pretty, too!
We agree, some of these home modifications can cost the big bucks! But, consider that the cost of living in an assisted living community hovers at around $48,000 a year.3 In comparison, these modifications aren’t too bad! Regardless, you may be wondering how you can afford these home enhancements. Well, you have a few options, including:
AARP. (2018). Most Retirees Prefer to Stay Put.
DREDF. (2021). Beds in Accessible Guest Rooms and Sleeping Rooms.
AHCA/NCAL. (2021). Facts & Figures.