Here are 11 ways to age-proof your home, ranked by cost

As we age, we become more vulnerable to injuries in the home, especially serious ones resulting from falling. Age-proofing your home can seem like a daunting task, and possibly an expensive one, but it doesn’t have to be. Below is a comprehensive list of some ways you can age proof your home, arranged from least expensive to most. Don’t feel like you have to do everything on this list; do what’s appropriate for your needs and your budget.

Moving/readjusting furniture

The easiest and often least expensive thing you can do for your home is to rearrange it to be more age-friendly. Clear out furniture to make wider paths for walking around, so there’s less of a risk of bumping into things. Move plates, cups, and silverware to lower cabinets in the kitchen so that residents in wheelchairs can grab everything easily.

If you live in a two-story house, you might want to consider moving your bedroom to a room on the lower floor, and in exchange move a less used room to the second floor. This may not eliminate having to use the stairs, but it may reduce the amount of times you have to use them (for example, you would not have to do it daily at the very least).

This can take some time and effort, but if you make a plan, have adult children do the heavy lifting, and span out the work over a couple weeks or months, then eventually you’ll have a new home that’s much more safe and didn’t cost money to get. 

Getting an “Extended Grabber”

For items that are dropped or on high shelves, this reduces the need for movements that can cause injury. Find one on Amazon for around $10.

Covering sharp edges

Furniture is not a soft landing, so it’s wise to cover particularly sharp edges of tables in the case of a fall. These are often sold as baby-proofing mechanisms, but don’t let that fool you: they are just as helpful to older adults who are at risk of falling. Find a set on Amazon with specially designed padding to soften the corners for between $10 - $20. 

Non-slip mat in the tub

This is a classic that needs no introduction. Injuries in the bathroom are unfortunately a big risk for older adults, and this adds a simple level of security in the bathtub. They cost around $15 - 20, find one here on Amazon.

Changing the lights

Get motion-sensor lights for between $30 - $50 so that residents in wheelchairs don’t have to work to reach them. Click here for an option from Amazon. If you don’t like this option, you can also have an electrician install or move the light switches further down the wall, but that will probably be more expensive.

Slip-resistant flooring

Check out slip-resistant rugs and carpets to put in areas you typically walk through a lot, such as the kitchen or the bedroom. Depending on the amount of floor you want to cover, these can range from $30 - $70. See this slip-resistant hallway rug on Amazon for $30

Shower chair

These are chairs that can be easily installed into a shower or bathtub. This way, one can sit as opposed to stand while taking a shower, or have an easier time getting in or out of a bath. They usually cost somewhere between $50 - 70, find one here on Amazon.

Tables at entrances

Place a sturdy table or shelf next to exterior doors where grocery bags, mail, and packages can be set down. With this, older adults don’t have to bend over to pick up deliveries, and this is especially helpful if they are in a wheelchair. The price on this can vary, as you can usually find any old stool for $30, or get a small coffee table for less than $70.

Replace door knobs with lever-type handles

Lever-type handles are much safer for older adults to use, as using them does not put too much strain on their wrist, and the movement is pushing down as opposed to turning, which requires slightly more balance. You can often get a pack of 10 for around $100, click here for an option on Amazon. 

Install railings on stairs

If the home has stairs, adding extra stability for an older adult is a good idea. A relatively cheap option is to install rails for each staircase. If you get rails that are inserted into the ground, those are about $200; click here for an option on Amazon. For rails you can mount to the wall, those are around $100; click here for an example on Amazon. Labor, of course, is not included.

Stairlift

A stairlift can be really expensive, and the price can be higher or lower depending on how many stairs there are, if the staircase is straight or has a bend, if you’re buying a new or used one, and many other factors. The best move you can do in terms of a stairlift is to get an estimate from a stairlift company near you (which they will usually offer for free). A baseline range is around $2,000 - $5,000, which is the estimate for getting a new one for a straight staircase. You also can rent a stairlift, for if an older adult is staying with you temporarily or is recovering from a surgery, but if you think you’ll need it for the long term, it is better to just buy one if you can. 

Getting older can be accompanied by so much change, not all of it wanted. Hopefully, age-proofing your home will not be a strenuous change. Depending on your specific situation, you may only get three things on this list, and that’s still an improvement in the home of you or your loved one. We hope you enjoy your new and improved home!

— Avery Tamura