Older homes

Aging in Place: Small Home Modifications That Help

Practical, modest changes like grab bars, lever handles, better lighting and sturdy railings that make everyday life at home easier.

Most people want to stay in their own home as long as they can. Aging in place often doesn't take a big remodel. A handful of small, well-placed home modifications can make daily life easier and help reduce the chance of a fall. These changes help anyone in the house, from grandparents to someone recovering from surgery.

Start with a walk-through

Walk the path you take every day: from the bed to the bathroom, from the car to the kitchen, up and down any steps. Look for spots where you reach for a wall, squint in the dark or catch a toe. Those are the places to start.

An occupational therapist can also do a home safety review and suggest changes based on a person's specific needs. Ask a doctor about a referral.

Bathroom upgrades

The bathroom is where many people want help first. Wet, hard surfaces and lots of standing up and sitting down make it a priority.

Grab bars

• Install grab bars near the toilet, inside the tub or shower and at the shower entry.
• Grab bars must be anchored into studs or solid wood blocking, or with anchors made and rated for grab bars. Regular drywall anchors won't hold.
• Towel bars and soap dishes are not grab bars. They can pull right out of the wall.
• Choose a textured grip and a finish that matches your fixtures so it looks like it belongs.

If you're remodeling a bathroom, ask about adding blocking inside the walls even if you don't need grab bars yet. It makes adding them later simple.

Other bathroom changes

• Handheld shower head on a slide bar, so you can shower seated
• Shower bench or chair for tubs and showers
• Raised toilet seat or a taller toilet, which can make standing up easier
• Non-slip mats or treads in the tub and on the floor
• Lever-style faucet handles that are easier to use than small knobs

Doors and handles

Round doorknobs can be hard to turn with arthritis or weak hands. Lever handles can be pushed with an elbow or a closed hand. Swapping knobs for levers is a quick change on most interior doors.

Also check that doors close and latch without a fight. A door that sticks is a hassle for anyone, and can be a real problem for someone using a walker.

Better lighting

Good lighting helps people see edges, steps and things on the floor.

• Brighter fixtures in hallways, stairways, bathrooms and kitchens
• Light at both ends of stairs, so you never walk into the dark
• Plug-in night lights along the path from bedroom to bathroom
• Lighted or easy-to-see switches near doorways
• Outdoor lights at entry doors and steps

Swapping an existing fixture for a brighter one is often a simple job. Adding new switches, circuits or outlets is electrician work. Our guide on replacing a light fixture safely explains where that line is.

Stairs and steps

• Sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs, inside and out, firmly fastened into framing
• Non-slip treads on wood stairs and outdoor steps
• Fix loose or uneven steps and wobbly porch rails
• Contrasting tape or paint on the edge of outdoor steps to make them easier to see

Around the house

• Remove or secure throw rugs, or use non-slip pads underneath
• Clear cords out of walkways
• Move everyday items to easy reach, between waist and shoulder height
• Add shelves or closet rods at a lower height
• Fix soft spots or uneven floors that can catch a foot

Bigger projects

Some changes need more planning: entry ramps, widening doorways, curbless showers or a first-floor bedroom. Those may call for a contractor, and sometimes permits. Start with the small stuff, then plan bigger projects as needs change.

We can help

We install grab bars into studs or blocking, swap knobs for levers, put in handrails, replace light fixtures and toilets, and handle other general home repairs. Text a photo of the space to (706) 594-5049, or use our free estimate form. We'll give you a free estimate.