Simple Home Modifications That Make Aging In-Place Safer

According to AARP’s 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey, about 75% of Americans aged 50 and older want to stay in their homes as they age. In 2025, the average cost of full-time in-home care hovers around $61,776 per year (about $5,148/month). The average cost of assisted living runs between $6,077 and $6,500 per month, depending on the source. This means in many cases, in-home care remains the more cost-effective choice, plus seniors benefit from staying in comfortable, familiar surroundings. However, most homes were not originally designed with the needs of older adults in mind. In this blog, we’ll explore home improvements and modifications to make aging in place safer, more accessible, and more comfortable for seniors.

Handrails & Grab Bars

Installing handrails in stairways, hallways, bathrooms, and nearby entryways can make a dramatic difference for someone with balance concerns or reduced mobility. These small supports offer stability and reassurance, allowing a person to move with greater confidence.

Ramps

For those with difficulty navigating stairs, ramps can make entrances far more accessible and even allow wheelchair use without requiring relocation.

Safer Flooring

Loose rugs, frayed carpet edges, and uneven tiles create hazards that can lead to falls. Replacing them with slip-resistant surfaces, such as cork or rubber, reduces risk while also providing a softer landing in the case of a fall.

Stair Lifts

A stair lift can be a game-changer for someone who does not wish to leave their multi-level home but finds stairs challenging due to joint pain, heart conditions, or limited stamina. With the push of a button, upper or lower floors become accessible again without the danger of climbing.

Bathroom Safety Upgrades

Bathrooms deserve special attention because wet surfaces, hard fixtures, and limited space can turn a simple morning routine into a serious risk. Adding non-slip decals to the shower floor, placing a bench in the shower, installing grab bars near the toilet and sink, and adding a handheld showerhead can make bathing safer and more comfortable.

Accessible Handles & Pulls

For seniors living with arthritis or reduced hand strength, daily tasks like opening doors or cabinets can be frustrating. Replacing traditional round doorknobs with lever handles, and swapping small cabinet knobs for larger pulls, removes the need for tight gripping and twisting motions. These changes may seem small, but they can restore independence in meaningful ways.

Technology

Technology has become an important partner in supporting aging in place. Smart home systems allow lights, locks, and appliances, and thermostats to be controlled by voice or from a mobile device, which can reduce unnecessary walking and lower the risk of falls. Fire safety can be improved with smoke alarms that announce the location of a fire, helping residents avoid dangerous areas. And, of course, medical alert systems are one of the most valuable tools, as they can connect a senior to emergency responders at the press of a button and shorten the time it takes to get help.

While a few modifications, such as adding nonslip mats or swapping out cabinet hardware, can be completed independently, many projects require professional expertise. Electrical, plumbing, and structural work should always be handled by licensed contractors to ensure safety and compliance with building codes. Equipment like stair lifts or medical alert systems should be installed by certified technicians to guarantee they work as intended.

At Senior Helpers of Central Iowa, we believe that aging in place should be both safe and fulfilling. Our caregivers not only assist with daily activities, but also watch for potential hazards, offering suggestions for changes that can make life easier and safer. We partner with families to provide not just care, but peace of mind, knowing that their loved one can remain at home surrounded by comfort, familiarity, and independence.