Most older adults say they want to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible. Aging in place can work well, especially when your home is adapted to fit changing needs. Some changes are quick and inexpensive; others are larger projects best planned in advance.
Start with an honest look at your home
Walk through your home and ask:
- Can I get in and out easily, including with groceries or a walker?
- Is there a bedroom and full bathroom on the main floor?
- Are hallways and doorways wide enough for a walker or wheelchair?
- Is lighting bright enough, especially on stairs?
- Can I reach everyday items without climbing?
- What would happen if I could not use the stairs for a few weeks after surgery?
An occupational therapist or a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist can do a professional assessment and recommend changes.
Low-cost changes
- Brighter lighting, including night lights and motion-sensor lights.
- Lever-style door handles and faucets, which are easier to use with arthritis.
- Rocker light switches instead of small toggles.
- Grab bars in the bathroom. See bathroom safety.
- Handrails on both sides of stairs.
- Removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs and cords. See fall-proofing your home.
- Reorganizing the kitchen so everyday items are within easy reach.
- Smart home devices such as video doorbells, voice-controlled lights and smart smoke alarms.
Bigger projects
- A zero-step entrance with a ramp or a gently sloped walkway.
- Wider doorways, at least 32 to 36 inches, for walkers and wheelchairs.
- A first-floor bedroom and accessible bathroom, or converting a den or dining room.
- A walk-in or roll-in shower in place of a tub.
- A stair lift if there is no space for a main-floor bedroom.
- Kitchen changes, such as pull-out shelves, a side-opening oven and counters at different heights.
Help paying for modifications
- Area Agencies on Aging may offer or know of home modification and repair programs. See Area Agencies on Aging.
- Medicaid home and community-based services in many states can pay for some modifications for eligible people.
- Veterans may qualify for VA grants for home improvements and structural alterations, and for specially adapted housing.
- USDA Rural Development offers home repair loans, and grants for homeowners 62 and older, in eligible rural areas.
- Nonprofit groups in many communities provide free repairs and modifications for older homeowners with limited incomes.
- Tax deduction: home changes made mainly for medical care, such as ramps and grab bars, may count as medical expenses if you itemize.
Services that support aging in place
Home modifications work best with the right support. Consider:
- Home-delivered meals. See home-delivered meals and community dining.
- Transportation services.
- Home care help with bathing, cleaning or errands. See choosing a home care agency.
- A medical alert device. See medical alert systems.
Plan ahead
The best time to make changes is before you need them. If you are planning a renovation anyway, build in features such as wider doorways and a curbless shower. If your home cannot be adapted affordably, it may be worth comparing the costs of moving. See downsizing your home.
