Aging at Home: 6 Essential Home Modifications That Help You Stay Safe and Independent

If you're like most adults over 50, the thought of moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility doesn’t sit well. The home you or your older family member lives in shouldn't be the place that can create risk for falls, risking health and safety.

You and most people want to remain at home—surrounded by familiar memories, neighbors you know, and the routines that give your life meaning.

You're not alone. According to the AARP 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey, nearly 75% of adults aged 50 and older say they want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

We Want to Age in Place

A poll conducted by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation—supported by AARP and Michigan Medicine—reveals a strong desire among older adults to age in place.

Eighty-eight percent of adults aged 50 to 80 said it’s very or somewhat important to them to remain in their homes as long as possible. Yet, only 15% have seriously considered how their home might need to be modified to accommodate aging. Nearly half (47%) admitted they’ve given it little or no thought at all. Industry statistics would also suggest that even fewer probably have a Long-Term Care Insurance policy in place.

But there's a problem: most homes aren’t built for aging. Falls, stairs, slippery floors, and poor lighting are just a few of the everyday dangers that increase with age. In fact, the CDC reports that 3 million older adults are treated in emergency rooms each year for fall-related injuries—and falls are the leading cause of long-term care and injury death for those 65 and older.

Aging in place is more than a wish; it’s a plan that requires action. It’s about modifying your environment to support your changing needs.

Dangers at Home - Be Sure Loved One's are Prepared

Aging in place at home may be preferable, but there are dangers to consider.

Here are the top five dangers at home for older adults, backed by data from the CDC and aging safety experts:

1. Falls

• The #1 cause of injury among older adults.
• Often caused by slippery floors, loose rugs, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces.
• More than 1 in 4 adults over 65 falls each year

2. Fire Hazards

• Memory issues or impaired mobility can make it harder to respond to a fire.
• Common risks: unattended cooking, faulty space heaters, and overloaded electrical outlets.
• Older adults are at higher risk of dying in a home fire than the general population.

3. Medication Errors

• Multiple prescriptions increase the risk of incorrect dosing or harmful interactions.
• Vision problems or cognitive decline make it easier to take the wrong medication or miss doses.

4. Poor Lighting

• Inadequate lighting in hallways, stairwells, or bathrooms increases fall risk.
• Glare and shadows can distort vision, especially for those with age-related eye conditions.

5. Clutter and Unsafe Layouts

• Narrow pathways, cords across the floor, and too much furniture can be trip hazards.
• Lack of handrails, grab bars, or stair lifts creates additional danger for those with mobility issues.

6 Essential Home Modifications for Independent Living

Fortunately, there are proactive steps you or your loved ones can take to make aging at home safer and more realistic.

1. Install Grab Bars in Bathrooms and Hallways

Bathrooms are among the most hazardous areas of any home for older adults. Wet floors and tight spaces make falls more likely.

• Installing grab bars beside toilets, inside showers, and hallways will minimize risk.
• Choose textured, rust-resistant finishes for better grip.
• Ensure bars are professionally anchored to studs, not just mounted with adhesives.

Even one strategically placed grab bar can prevent a hospital visit.

2. Replace Rugs with Non-Slip Flooring

Loose rugs and high-pile carpets pose serious tripping risks—especially for those with walkers or mobility issues.

• Replace with non-slip flooring such as cork, rubber, or textured vinyl.
• Use beveled transitions between rooms to reduce tripping hazards.
• Avoid glossy or slick tiles in bathrooms and kitchens.

Modern materials look like wood or stone but offer safer, softer footing.

3. Improve Stair Safety or Install Stairlifts

According to the CDC's fall statistics for seniors, falling on stairs remains one of the leading causes of injury at home. Stairs become more dangerous with age due to reduced balance and depth perception.

• Add sturdy handrails on both sides of every staircase.
• Install non-slip tread covers or visual contrast strips on stair edges.
• Consider a stairlift to access the upper floors if mobility is declining.

The National Institute on Aging recommends limiting stair use for seniors unless safety upgrades are in place

4. Enhance Lighting Throughout the Home

Vision declines naturally with age, and poor lighting contributes to falls.

• Use LED bulbs with 800–1000 lumens in stairways, hallways, and bathrooms.
• Add motion-sensor lights for nighttime navigation.
• Install under-cabinet lighting and floor-level path lighting for clarity.

Soft-white tones reduce glare while still providing brightness.

5. Switch to Lever Handles on Doors and Faucets

Arthritis, stiffness, or general hand weakness can make even simple tasks challenging. Arthritis and joint stiffness make gripping and twisting hard.

• Replace round doorknobs and faucet handles with lever-style hardware.
• Choose ADA-compliant designs that require minimal effort.
• Ensure consistency throughout the house to reduce confusion.

These changes make everyday tasks easier and restore dignity.

6. Adjust Countertops and Storage for Accessibility

Reaching up or bending down becomes risky with age.

• Lower at least one kitchen counter to 30–32 inches for seated access.
• Install pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and drawer organizers.
• Store items between shoulder and knee height to reduce falls.

Don’t forget closets and laundry rooms—they often need adjustment too.

Don't Forget the Human Touch: Caregiving and Emotional Support

Longevity often comes with mobility challenges and chronic health conditions that increase the need for help with everyday activities. Even with the best modifications, many older adults eventually need help. Professional caregivers improve quality of life by assisting a care recipient with meals, bathing, mobility, and supervision for memory issues.

Quality home care is what keeps many people out of nursing homes and improves quality of life.

Use the LTC News Caregiver Directory to find reputable caregivers, agencies, and senior services in your area.

The Cost of Aging in Place—and How to Pay for It

Caregiving is hard on loved ones; they are usually untrained and unprepared for the role. Professional caregivers will improve your loved one's quality of life; however, long-term care services are costly, and those costs are rising every year.

Here’s what to expect financially, according to an LTC News survey of long-term care costs:

• In-home care now averages $182 a day, depending on location.
• Bathroom renovations can cost $3,000–$7,000.
• Stairlifts run between $2,000 and $5,000.
• Non-slip flooring installation costs $2,500–$8,000+.

Many of these costs will be paid with Long-Term Care Insurance, which provides guaranteed, tax-free benefits that help you age on your terms.

But you can’t wait until you need care to get coverage because LTC Insurance is medically underwritten. To obtain coverage, you should have reasonably good health, and LTC Insurance is typically purchased between the ages of 47 and 67.

If your loved one has an LTC policy be sure you use the benefits to pay for quality long-term care services and even help making the home safer. LTC News partnering with Amada Senior Care ensures that your loved ones receive the quality care they deserve based on their needs and preferences without worrying about securing their LTC Insurance benefits- Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Final Thoughts: Build a Home That Grows with You

Aging in place doesn’t just happen—it takes planning, effort, and sometimes a little remodeling.

Start small. Install a grab bar. Swap out that rug. Brighten a dark hallway. These steps add up and send a clear message: your home is your sanctuary, and it will support you as you age.

The best time to plan for safe aging at home is now—while you still have choices and control.