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Best Home Modifications for Seniors Aging in Place

Support Aging in Place with Home Modifications for Seniors

Aging in place can present numerous challenges, from accessibility to mobility to safety, and most homes can't meet the unique needs of older adults. Thanks to technology and home improvement professionals, today's aging population can live at home longer and more comfortably. Mr. Handyman® can assist with home modifications for seniors to ensure a streamlined, safe, and user-friendly home.

Lighting Modifications to Give Seniors a Brighter (and Safer) Future

A white light switch mounted on a textured stone wall made of natural slate tiles in earth tones.

Upgrade Lighting

  • Task lighting, such as bedside and floor lamps, is ideal for brightening dark spaces.

  • Create ambient lighting that illuminates entire rooms without shadows or gaps.

  • Ensure aging-in-place lighting fixtures are secure and their power cords are covered or out of the way.

  • For maximum flexibility and control, consider installing dimmable bulbs that are simple to operate.

Wooden framed windows with multiple panes, showcasing a view of greenery outside, set against a light green wall.

Let the Light In

  • Natural light can help seniors improve their emotional and mental health.

  • Skylights are one of the most economical and effective ways to add natural light to a home.

  • Consider windows that have shading and other features that give control over how much light gets in and privacy.

A person adjusts a smart thermostat displaying 77°F using a smartphone app, showing home temperature controls.

Get Smart

  • Motion sensor lighting can illuminate rooms and hallways without requiring seniors to flip a switch.

  • Consider smart lights that can be operated hands-free via voice activation from a smartphone or smart speaker.

  • Smart home systems and smart appliances can adjust automatically or be controlled via smartphone.

Home Modifications for Seniors to Increase Safety and Accessibility

A hand reaching for a sleek, modern cabinet handle on a light-colored wooden cabinet.

Simplify Kitchen Layout

  • Lower counters, sinks, and other surfaces to accommodate seniors in wheelchairs or who need to work from a seated position.

  • More accessible microwaves and other small appliances will provide more convenience and usability.

  • Grab bars on cabinets and pull-out shelves provide support and easier access to food and cooking materials.

Modern bathroom featuring a bathtub, a sink with a mirror, a toilet, and warm stone wall accents, illuminated by natural light.

Modify the Bathroom

  • Bathrooms are notoriously slippery, so modifications such as increasing support and providing firmer footing are essential.

  • Non-slip shower floors, grab bars, and other upgrades will make bathrooms less hazardous.

  • Improvements such as raised toilets will make bathrooms more comfortable.

  • Replacing a traditional tub and shower with a walk-in tub provides easier access and safety.

Bright, inviting interior featuring a cozy living room with plush carpet, leading to a stylish bathroom through an archway.

Widen Doorways and Install Ramps

  • Widen doors to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, and similar mobility devices.

  • Installing ramps can eliminate obstacles and give seniors more independence.

  • Ramps can also be installed to create a smoother transition between flooring surfaces to limit tripping risks.

Professional Home Modification Services

Home modification for the elderly must be performed by qualified and experienced professionals to ensure the correct installation and setup. With professional help, a combination of remodeling and implementing safety features can help those aging in place enjoy their homes and live in a safe environment.

Home Modifications for Aging in Place From Mr. Handyman

Mr. Handyman service professionals have an average of 10 years of experience in remodeling, modification, home repair, and maintenance. When you hire Mr. Handyman, the Neighborly Done Right Promise® ensures that it’s done right the first time. Discover how your local Mr. Handyman can make aging in place more manageable when you get a personalized estimate.

Service You Can Trust!

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Home Modifications for Seniors Aging in Place FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about home modifications for seniors aging in place.

All Mr. Handyman franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about the services offered in your area, contact your local Mr. Handyman for details or a customized on-site assessment.

  • Mobility and dexterity challenges are often a part of aging. Home modifications can help overcome these obstacles. Here are some of the most helpful solutions.

    • Widening doorways can help seniors move around the house. Standard doorways cannot accommodate wheelchairs or walkers, and without easy passage from room to room, seniors can feel frustrated, isolated, and restricted.
    • Upgrading doorknobs and pull handles can help seniors with dexterity challenges. This is because turning a doorknob can be painful and injurious for seniors with arthritis or other physical limitations.
    • Installing ramps can be a game-changer for those aging in place. This is because interior and exterior stairs are tripping hazards for older people with balance or stability issues and inaccessible for those who use walkers or wheelchairs.
    • Adding illuminated switch plates can make it easier for seniors to turn lighting on and off and find switches in the dark.

    Home modifications for seniors aging in place make it easier to navigate the environment safely. The increased mobility and access also provide a sense of independence.