Aging in place remodeling for a life well-lived

Whether you’re preparing your home to live out your golden years or making it safer for an aging loved one, thoughtful remodeling can make a big difference. The right upgrades help make daily tasks easier, reduce safety risks, and create spaces that adapt to the ever-changing needs of older adults.

This guide covers key aging in place remodeling projects, planning tips, and practical ways to keep a property accessible and welcoming for years to come.

What is aging in place?

Aging in place means staying in your own home safely, comfortably, and independently as you get older. It’s about creating a space that can adapt to your needs over time — whether that’s making daily tasks easier, improving safety, or accommodating changes in mobility.

Most people love the idea of staying put. In fact, according to a recent Point survey, 84% percent of older Americans consider aging in place a priority.

This gap between what people want for the future and what their homes currently offer often comes down to uncertainty about remodeling. Many homeowners worry about:

• Predicting future needs – Our health and mobility can change, and it’s tricky to know which upgrades will matter most down the road. For example, if mobility becomes limited, grab bars, non-slip flooring, or a lift chair might suddenly become top priorities. Planning with universal design in mind can help your home work for a wide range of needs, giving you peace of mind.
• Planning for household changes – Life is unpredictable. Kids, grandchildren, or other family members might move in, creating a multigenerational household. These changes can affect the upgrades you choose and how your space is organized.
• Paying for remodeling projects – Money is often a big question mark. In the same survey, only 46% of respondents feel prepared to update their home. Breaking projects into phases or exploring financing options can make the process less stressful.

Thinking about these concerns now can help you make smart, practical decisions — so your home stays safe, comfortable, and welcoming for years to come.

How to plan your remodeling project

Planning an aging-in-place remodel doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These steps can help you get started with confidence:

• Take a good look at your home and needs – think about how you move through your space each day. Consider bringing in a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS) or occupational therapist to spot potential hazards and opportunities for improvement.
• Focus on what matters most – start with upgrades that boost safety and mobility, like bathrooms, entrances, and flooring.
• Decide on the pace – you can tackle a full remodel all at once or break it into smaller, manageable stages.
• Bring your family or caregivers into the conversation – their insights can help make sure the space works for everyone who uses it.

Common aging in place home modifications

Consulting with a CAPS-certified specialist is always a great way to learn about the possible renovations you may need.

However, there are universal changes that can help make aging at home more comfortable. Here are some common aging in place remodeling projects to consider:

Kitchen renovations

Common aging-in-place kitchen remodels include:

• Updating to rounded countertops to reduce injury risk in case of a fall.
• Adding accent stripes on countertop edges to improve visual orientation.
• Installing roll-out trays, lazy Susans, pull-down shelving, or open shelving for frequently used items.
• Lowering cabinetry a few inches for easier reach.
• Adding adjustable counters at varying heights for flexibility.

Bathroom renovations

Key bathroom remodels to enhance safety and accessibility include:

• Replacing handled faucets with motion-control faucets.
• Installing anti-scalding temperature controls in the shower.
• Adding automatic flushing mechanisms or a bidet.
• Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in tub or adding a side step for safer entry.
• Installing a bath seat and grab bars or handrails.
• Upgrading to a raised toilet seat with grab bars on either side.
• Installing walk-in showers or curbless showers.

Flooring upgrades

Flooring modifications can prevent falls, improve comfort, and aid mobility:

• Installing slip-resistant, non-glare surfaces.
• Using low-density carpet with firm padding if carpeting is preferred.
• Adding textured or color-contrasted surfaces to increase visibility and reduce slips.

Layout & accessibility modifications

Home layout improvements can increase safety, mobility, and comfort:

• Creating an open-concept floor plan with wider turning spaces in main rooms (bathroom, kitchen, living area, bedroom).
• Eliminating steps between rooms.
• Replacing standard light switches with motion-sensor lighting.
• Widening doorways and hallways to accommodate mobility aids.
• Installing a chair lift for improved accessibility.
• Placing main living amenities on the first floor.
• Adding more windows, skylights, or solar tubes to increase natural light.
• Adjusting window heights for better accessibility.
• Upgrading wall and countertop finishes to low-maintenance materials.

Ways to finance aging in place renovations

On average, homeowners spend anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 to make age in place repairs. However, depending on needs, this can quickly get as costly as $50,000

• Government grants and assistance programs can help cover essential safety and accessibility upgrades without requiring repayment, though some programs offer low-interest or forgivable loans.
• Home improvement loans are unsecured personal loans that allow you to borrow a fixed amount and repay it in monthly installments over 2–7 years, typically based on your credit and income.
• Home equity loans provide a lump sum using your home’s equity as collateral, repaid through fixed monthly mortgage payments over a set term.
• Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) let you borrow as needed against your home’s equity during a draw period and repay the balance during a repayment period, often with variable interest rates.
• Reverse mortgages allow homeowners age 62 and older to access home equity without monthly payments, with repayment due when you move, sell, or pass away, provided you stay current on taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
• Home equity investments (HEIs) offer a lump sum in exchange for a share of your home’s future value, with no monthly payments. HEIs have flexible approval requirements — low credit score and no income requirements — and the ability to settle anytime within a 30-year term. An HEI differs from a reverse mortgage because there’s no requirement to pay off your first mortgage, no age limit, no need to live in the home, and it can be assumed by your heirs.