Essential Home Modifications for Aging in Place

At the DIY Training Center, we empower homeowners with the skills to tackle any home improvement project. This post covers essential modifications that ensure a safe and comfortable environment for aging in place.

Replace Cabinet and Door Handles

A quick and easy upgrade is replacing cabinet hardware and door knobs with D handles. Traditional knobs can be difficult for people with arthritis to grasp firmly, and the twisting motion can be challenging. D handles allow people to easily open and close their cabinets or doors, and the hardware can look just as stylish as any other handle. A small modification like this can keep life moving at a normal pace for anyone feeling a little stiffer with age.

Install Grab Bars and Handrails

Typically installed in the shower or near the toilet, grab bars are simple devices that make a big difference. They help with stability when moving around and offer support when you need a moment of rest. Proper grab bar installation is needed to ensure they can safely bear weight, so consulting an expert handyman is important. Handrails along any stairwells, both inside and outside your home, are also essential for safely maneuvering up and down steps.

Set Up a Stairlift

Handrails make going up the stairs easier, but for older adults using a wheelchair or who have trouble walking, installing a stairlift inside the home may be a better solution. Stairlifts provide a safe way to get to another floor and can offer a sense of independence for those with limited mobility. It’s important to note that stairlifts have a joystick and other controls, so they’re best suited for those who have the dexterity to maneuver the buttons.

Install Outdoor and Indoor Ramps

Adding outdoor ramps to your home’s entryways makes it easy for those who use wheelchairs or walkers to enter the home. Indoor threshold ramps are also great for wheelchair users, allowing smooth transitions between rooms or doorways with small steps or raised landings.

Install Pull-Down and Pull-Out Shelves

Pull-down shelves in high cabinets and pull-out shelves in lower cabinets ease accessibility issues for people who use wheelchairs and reduce the need to bend over. Installing a lazy Susan in a corner cabinet can also make it easier to reach items without straining.

Install Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology can greatly improve accessibility for older adults. Smart lighting, thermostats, home monitors, and security systems can offer convenience and safety. Voice-activated assistants and motion sensors can also provide added independence and peace of mind.

Install Appropriate Flooring

Proper flooring is crucial for preventing slips and falls. Non-slip, durable, and comfortable flooring options like linoleum, low-pile carpeting, vinyl, and rubber flooring can enhance safety in all areas of the home.

Making these essential home modifications can significantly improve the quality of life for seniors, allowing them to age in place safely and comfortably. At the DIY Training Center, we're here to help you every step of the way with our in-person courses. Our classes, such as Power Tools Starter, Be Your Own Handyman (or Handywoman!), Homeowner's Maintenance, Super Beginner Class and DIY Starter Class, will equip you with the skills needed to undertake these projects with confidence.