Planning for Aging in Place? Start With These 5 Key Modifications
Aging in Place Starts with Smart Design
More homeowners than ever are choosing to age in place—and it’s easy to see why. Staying in the home you love, near your community, on your terms, is a powerful way to maintain independence, comfort, and dignity.
But aging in place doesn’t happen by accident. It requires planning. And the best place to start is with a few targeted home modifications that help prevent injuries, increase daily comfort, and reduce the need for outside help.
At KGC Access and Mobility Solutions, we work with Richmond-area families to make these changes proactively—so you or your loved ones can stay safe and self-reliant for years to come.
Here are the five key areas to focus on first.
1. Safe Entry and Exit: Secure the Threshold
Getting in and out of the home safely is essential. For many people, this is where the first challenges of mobility begin.
Smart modifications include:
Installing a modular ramp or threshold bridge to eliminate steps
Upgrading to lever-style door handles that are easier on arthritic hands
Adding motion-sensor lighting to illuminate pathways and prevent trips
Ensuring that walkways are clear, level, and slip-resistant
These changes don’t just protect you—they help guests, caregivers, and emergency personnel access the home safely as well.
2. Bathroom Safety: Small Changes, Big Impact
Bathrooms are one of the highest-risk areas in any home. Slippery floors, tight spaces, and the need to transfer between surfaces can all contribute to falls.
Key upgrades to consider:
Installing grab bars near the toilet and shower
Swapping out a traditional tub for a zero-threshold shower
Adding a shower bench and handheld sprayer
Using non-slip flooring or mats to increase traction
These improvements help people bathe independently, maintain privacy, and reduce fall risk significantly.
3. Stair and Hallway Navigation: Keep Every Room Accessible
If your home has stairs, split levels, or long hallways, these areas can become barriers over time. But they don’t have to be.
Consider solutions like:
A stairlift for safe, supported travel between floors
Dual handrails for better balance and control
Widened doorways or offset hinges for wheelchair access
Hallway lighting to guide movement at night
By keeping every room reachable, you avoid having to relocate bedrooms or bathrooms—and you maintain the freedom to use your entire home.
4. Kitchen and Daily Living Accessibility
Everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or simply moving around the house should remain manageable as your needs evolve.
Practical upgrades include:
Lowering countertops or adding pull-out work surfaces
Replacing knobs with lever handles or touch-activated fixtures
Ensuring frequently used items are stored between shoulder and knee height
Adding sturdy seating in food prep or laundry areas
Making these adjustments keeps routines intact and promotes confidence.
5. Emergency Access and Peace of Mind
Aging in place also means being prepared for the unexpected. Simple tools can make all the difference during an emergency.
Add peace of mind with:
A personal emergency response system (PERS) or smart speaker with voice-activated help
Clearly labeled medications and emergency contacts posted visibly
A key lockbox or smart entry system for first responders
Phone access in multiple rooms, including beside the bed and in the bathroom
These small but powerful safeguards protect your independence and allow loved ones to rest easier, too.
Real-Life Example: A Confident Transition in Richmond
One of our clients, a couple in their early 70s, reached out after struggling with the stairs and worrying about the guest bathroom. Rather than consider downsizing, they chose to adapt.
We installed:
A stairlift to keep both floors accessible
Grab bars and a zero-threshold shower in the guest bath
Threshold ramps at both entries
They now host grandkids, sleep in their upstairs bedroom, and move confidently throughout their home—all without needing to relocate.
That’s the power of aging in place with intention.
KGC’s Proactive Aging-in-Place Planning
We approach every home with care, respect, and deep knowledge of what truly supports long-term independence. Our team:
Offers in-home evaluations tailored to your goals
Helps prioritize upgrades based on your timeline and budget
Recommends solutions that grow with your needs—not just today’s challenges
Installs with precision, cleanliness, and professionalism
No pressure. No cookie-cutter packages. Just a team that wants your home to feel like yours—safe, functional, and empowering.
Ready to Get Started?
The earlier you plan, the more freedom you keep. Connect with KGC Access and Mobility Solutions to begin designing a home that supports you now—and for years to come.
Because aging in place isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.
