Forever Home - Tips for Aging in Place

by Courtney Klosterman

With the growing population of older adults in the U.S., ensuring that homes are safe and adaptable is essential for long-term independence.

A successful aging-in-place strategy involves modifying your home to enhance accessibility, minimize hazards, and accommodate changes in mobility. It’s also essential to review your insurance coverage to understand the cost of homeowners insurance and prepare for unexpected issues.

Here are key steps to take:

1. Review your home insurance coverage - Renovations for aging in place such as ramps, wider doorways, or bathroom upgrades can impact your insurance coverage. It’s important to review your policy to confirm if these updates are covered, as not all homeowner insurance types account for accessibility changes automatically.

Your liability coverage may also require adjustment, particularly if changes increase visitor traffic. Regular reviews keep your coverage aligned with the updates you’re making to your home. Understanding how much homeowners insurance you need offers clarity for the future.

Actions to take:

• Check if your policy covers accessibility renovations and modifications.

• Review liability limits to confirm adequate coverage.

• Consult with your insurance provider about any additional coverage you may need, such as equipment breakdown or extended dwelling coverage.

2. Create a plan for regular home maintenance - Staying on top of home maintenance helps keep your home safe, functional, and comfortable as you age. Routine upkeep can prevent minor issues, such as clogged gutters or small leaks, from escalating into more complex repairs.

As mobility or energy levels shift, some tasks may become more challenging to manage. Planning ahead lets you focus on simpler maintenance or DIY home upgrades while delegating more demanding tasks to professionals.

Actions to take:

• Handle easy tasks like changing air filters, light bulbs, or smoke detector batteries.

• Consider hiring a professional for more intensive jobs like roof inspections, snow removal, or gutter cleaning.

• Schedule regular inspections for plumbing, HVAC systems, and roofing to catch issues early.

3. Entryways: Improve accessibility - Over time, steps, narrow doorways, and uneven paths can make it harder to move safely, especially for those using mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. Adjusting these areas can help reduce barriers and lower the risk of accidents, making daily movement more manageable.

Improving entryway accessibility also supports caregivers, family, and visitors by creating a safer, easier-to-navigate space. Simple upgrades like ramps or handrails can improve ease of movement within the home.

Actions to take:

• Install ramps or threshold ramps to replace steps at key entry points.

• Add handrails along stairs and walkways for additional support.

• Widen doorways to accommodate mobility devices like wheelchairs or walkers.

• Keep outdoor paths well-lit and free of tripping hazards, such as loose stones or debris.

  
  

Safe Step Stairs is an attic access system built to the same size standards as a regular set of stairs for easier access than narrow fold-down ladders.

4. Kitchen: Consider modifications for aging in place - As you age, tasks such as reaching into upper cabinets, accessing deep storage, or operating appliances may become more challenging, increasing the risk of accidents. Slippery floors or handling hot surfaces without proper precautions can also lead to injuries.

Making thoughtful modifications improves both safety and accessibility, while continuing to cook and entertain in the kitchen. Reducing physical strain through ergonomic updates creates a functional environment for cooking, dining, and staying engaged in daily routines.

Actions to take:

• Lower countertops for easier access when sitting or using mobility aids.

• Add pull-out shelves and easy-grip cabinet handles for improved storage access.

• Install anti-scald devices on faucets and stovetops to help prevent burns.

• Use slip-resistant flooring to minimize the chance of falls.

5. Bedroom: Create a safe and comfortable space - Mobility changes can make moving around the bedroom more challenging, increasing the likelihood of falls or accidents. Assessing and adapting the space to meet accessibility needs helps you reduce risks, especially during nighttime movement or when getting in and out of bed.

Adjusting the bedroom also promotes safety and easier caregiving. A functional layout with fewer hazards ensures the space is practical without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Actions to take:

• Lower the bed height for easier access when getting in and out.

• Install grab bars near the bed to provide stability and support.

• Clear pathways of furniture, rugs, and clutter to prevent trips and falls.

• Use night lights to improve visibility and reduce the chance of nighttime accidents.

6. Bathroom: Minimize safety hazards - Bathrooms can become more difficult to navigate with age due to slippery surfaces, tight layouts, and the need for stability during routines like bathing or toileting. Wet floors and limited space present common hazards, increasing the likelihood of falls or other accidents.

Adjustments to improve bathroom mobility can support safer movement and reduce risks. Thoughtful improvements tailored to individual needs can help create a more accessible environment for daily activities.

Actions to take:

• Install grab bars by the toilet and in the shower or tub for support.

• Place non-slip mats or adhesive strips on wet floors to prevent slips.

• Replace bathtubs with walk-in showers for easier access.

• Improve bathroom lighting to enhance visibility, especially at night.

Slim in its design, the Architec shower tray from Duravit offers a 2.5” curb height for an easy step-in alternative for showering, rather than traditional bathtub/shower applications. Additionally, the design’s Class C slip-rating anti-slip qualities help prevent tripping accidents.

Wheelchair-friendly and ADA-compliant, the D-Neo Wall Mounted Sink combines functionality and sleek aesthetics. The wall-mounted washbasin offers a timeless form that boasts age-sustainable and durable functionality and an accessible height for aging in place.

7. Update flooring for mobility and safety - Hard, slippery surfaces like tile or polished wood can increase fall risks as mobility decreases. As you age, these falls can result in serious injuries, so flooring with better traction is important.

Selecting non-slip materials and creating smooth transitions between rooms can improve movement throughout the home, especially when using walkers or wheelchairs. Thoughtful flooring choices enhance safety and help you stay comfortable in your space.

Actions to take:

• Replace slippery flooring with non-slip materials like vinyl, rubber, or low-pile carpet.

• Secure rugs with non-slip pads to prevent movement and tripping.

• Create smooth, level transitions between rooms to accommodate mobility aids.

• Use cushioned surfaces to reduce joint strain and soften impacts from falls.

8. Make stairs safer with modifications - Stairs can become more dangerous as mobility or vision declines, increasing the risk of serious injuries. Prioritizing stair safety helps reduce these risks and supports continued independence for homeowners.

These improvements also support caregivers and family members by ensuring that the home remains accessible and easier to manage without creating barriers to movement. 

Actions to take:

• Install handrails on both sides of the staircase for extra support.

• Add non-slip treads or adhesive strips to steps to prevent slipping.

• Improve lighting on stairs and landings to enhance visibility.

• Consider installing a stairlift or home elevator for easier movement between floors.

9. Improve lighting for enhanced visibility - As you age, vision changes can make it harder to see clearly, increasing your risk of accidents. Dark areas like hallways, staircases, and bathrooms can increase the likelihood of falls, so adequate lighting is key to reducing hazards both day and night.

Exterior lighting plays an important role by illuminating pathways, entrances, and driveways, making it easier for you to move around safely. It can also enhance security, helping deter unwanted visitors while providing visibility for guests or caregivers arriving after dark.

Actions to take:

• Install bright lighting in hallways, staircases, and common areas.

• Add motion-sensor lighting to dark corners, pathways, or outdoor spaces.

• Place night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways to assist with nighttime movement.

• Use exterior lighting around entrances and walkways to improve visibility and security.

10. Declutter high-traffic areas to minimize hazards - Clutter can create serious tripping hazards, especially if you experience mobility challenges or vision changes. Clearing high-traffic areas like hallways, doorways, and living spaces reduces fall risks and makes it easier to move around safely. Staying organized opens up more space, allowing you easier mobility aid access when needed.

Outdoor areas need the same attention. Driveways, porches, and walkways can become blocked by debris, snow, or wet leaves, making it harder to enter and exit your home. Keeping these spaces clear can allow for safe movement between your indoor and outdoor areas.

Actions to take:

• Rearrange furniture to create open paths for easy movement.

• Secure loose rugs with non-slip backing to prevent trips.

• Organize cords and wires along walls to keep them out of walkways.

• Clear outdoor walkways and entry points of debris, snow, or wet leaves.

• Store tools and outdoor equipment neatly to avoid obstacles.

11. Prepare your home for emergencies - Being prepared for emergencies is an important part of aging in place. By planning ahead, you know you’re ready for unexpected situations, whether it’s a power outage, natural disaster, or medical emergency.

If you have unique needs, including mobility assistance or access to essential medications, advance planning is important for your safety and peace of mind. Additionally, incorporating  fire safety precautions can further promote a safe environment.

Actions to take:

• Assemble an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and batteries.

• Develop a communication plan with emergency contacts, including neighbors and caregivers.

• Install medical alert systems that connect directly to emergency responders.

• Create evacuation routes that accommodate mobility devices or assistive aids.

• Store essential documents, such as insurance policies and medical records, in a waterproof, fireproof container.

12. Incorporate smart home tech for added safety - Smart home technology can help reduce safety risks while promoting your independence. Devices like fall detection sensors, automated lighting, and emergency alerts can make it easier to feel secure and comfortable in your home.

These tools help caregivers and family members monitor without disrupting your routine. Incorporating smart solutions lets you stay connected and maintain control of your environment.

Actions to take:

• Install fall detection sensors or medical alert systems connected to emergency services.

• Use smart lighting, thermostats, and locks with voice commands for easier control.

• Set up security cameras and motion sensors for real-time monitoring and alerts.

• Enable remote access to devices so caregivers can assist as needed.

About the author

Courtney Klosterman is home insights expert at Hippo home insurance.