Aging in Place: Living Well at Home

Staying in one’s own home and community over a lifetime is something many anticipate but it can be difficult as one ages. According to an AARP survey in 2024, 75 percent of those over the age of 50 want to stay in their current home as long as possible (Binette). Studies have shown that those who are able to stay in their homes as they age have better long term memory and less feelings of loneliness and isolation than those who move to assisted living (Burrill). Sometimes this is unavoidable but we want to highlight the many ways homes can be made to assist independent living in a beautiful and functional way. As a former orthopedic surgery physician assistant, this a subject near and dear to my heart. I have worked with patients from 0-99+ years old with varying levels of mobility. Being able to move around your home comfortably and safely has always been something at the top of my mind.

Here are some ways to make your home more functional so you can adapt to changes in mobility, hearing, and eyesight and maintain your independence in a safe manner.

In General:

  • Consider counter heights, perhaps lower some for shorter people or those with wheelchairs.
  • If possible, make doors wider (32” or 36” total).
  • Minimize thresholds between rooms (would be 1/4 inch or less).
  • Install hand rails and grab bars wherever necessary.
  • Use levers instead of door knobs.
  • Make sure all faucets can be turned on with a push/pull or automatic mechanism.
  • Ensure lighting is adequate in all areas of the home, install night lights and accent lighting to make it easier to find things.
  • Use a front loading washer and dryer.
  • Consider installing pull-down closet rods.

Exterior:

  • Aim for thresholds with less than 1/2 inch difference between indoors and out.
  • Consider a threshold ramp if the above is not possible.
  • Talk to an electrician about lighting stairs so they are easy to see at night.
  • Ensure adequate exterior lighting at the entryway and all porches, patios, and other doors.

Living areas:

  • Keep the layout simple, remove extra clutter so that there is nothing to trip over and there is plenty of room to move around the room without bumping into anything.
  • Avoid rugs that can be tripped on.
  • Secure furniture to walls, if needed.
  • Consider automatic blinds and shades.
  • Use pocket doors as much as possible to increase space and eliminate the need to open a swinging door. This can be a game-changer for those who need a wheelchair or walker.

Kitchen:

  • Keep frequently used appliances and other items at counter height.
  • Consider lowering a counter for those who are shorter or need a wheelchair.
  • Get a stovetop with an automatic shut-off feature.
  • Consider an induction cook top with cool-to-the touch surface.
  • Install a hands-free faucet.
  • Consider a water heat control system to avoid burns.
  • Install drawers in lower cabinets for ease of access.
  • Consider built-in, pull-out step stools in lower cabinets.
  • Consider touch latch-cabinets.
  • Install night lights and toe kick lighting.
  • Avoid plugs and wires by installing wireless charging stations under the countertop.
  • If possible, “Costco” doors can be installed, which allow grocery delivery to be place directly into a pantry.

Bathroom:

  • Avoid flooring that can become slippery when wet.
  • Consider floating vanity, which makes it easier for wheelchair access.
  • Lower mirrors for shorter people, consider a full-length mirror on one wall.
  • Consider a walk-in bath tub and a zero-threshold shower with a bench.
  • Install a handheld shower head.
  • Always install appropriate grab bars in showers, tubs, and around toilets. If needed in the future, have the contractor install blocking so they can be placed later.
  • Consider a raised toilet seat.
  • A bidet toilet can help with cleanliness, ensure there is an outlet around the toilet.
  • Digital controls for shower and toilet.
  • Consider a heat lamp.

Smart Home Technologies to consider:

  1. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  2. Wireless doorbell cameras
  3. Keyless entry
  4. Automatic lighting
  5. Smart water shutoff valves
  6. Smart home security systems
  7. Smart outlets/plugs
  8. Smart thermostats
  9. Water monitoring sensors
  10. Smart window blinds

As always, we are here to help with these changes to your home. There are so many great products out there that look good and provide ease of use. Let us know how we can help.

Sources

Binette, Joanne. “Building for the Future: Creating Homes and Communities for Aging Well.” AARP. 10 December 2024. https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/livable-communities/housing/2024-home-community-preferences/. Accessed 7 July 2025.

Blau, Maeghan. “Designing for a Barrier Free Future.” NKBA Design + Business Webinars. 16 July 2025.

Burrill, Robin. “The Evolving Home: Multi-Generational Living and Flexible Spaces for Modern Life” NKBA Design + Business Webinars. 8 July 2025.

Weaver, Julia. “Home Improvements and Modifications for Aging in Place.” Universal Design Institute News. https://www.udinstitute.org/post/home-improvements-and-modifications-for-aging-in-place. Accessed 7 July 2025.

Weeden, Sophia. “Remodels That Include Home Automation Can Help Older Adults Age in Place.” Joint Center For Housing Studies of Harvard University. https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/remodels-that-include-home-automation-can-help-older-adults-age-in-place. Accessed 2 July 2025.