Getting in and out: entries and thresholds
A safe, no-step entrance is the foundation of an accessible home. Options range from a permanent ramp or a gently regraded walkway to a modular aluminum ramp that can be installed quickly and removed later.
Inside, reduce or bevel raised thresholds between rooms so they are not trip hazards, and make sure the primary entrance has good lighting and a level landing large enough to maneuver.
Moving between floors
If the home has stairs, a stair lift is often the most cost-effective solution for someone who can transfer to a seat. For wheelchair users, a vertical platform lift or a through-floor home lift may be more appropriate.
Where possible, arranging a full living setup on one floor — bedroom, full bath, kitchen, and laundry — can delay or avoid the need for a lift altogether.
The bathroom
Bathrooms deserve priority because they combine water, hard surfaces, and transfers. Curbless showers, grab bars, comfort-height toilets, and slip-resistant flooring dramatically reduce fall risk. See our dedicated bathroom accessibility guide for the details.
Kitchen and daily-living spaces
Small changes add up: pull-out shelves and drawers instead of deep cabinets, lever-style faucet and door handles, varied counter heights, and D-shaped cabinet pulls that are easy to grip with limited hand strength.
Good task lighting under cabinets and over work areas helps compensate for changing vision.
- Lever handles on doors and faucets
- Pull-out pantry and cabinet shelving
- Contrasting counter edges for low vision
- Rocker light switches at reachable heights
Lighting, flooring, and safety tech
Increase overall light levels, add motion-activated night lighting along the path from bedroom to bathroom, and choose matte, slip-resistant flooring. Remove or secure loose rugs, which are a leading cause of falls.
Smart-home devices — voice assistants, video doorbells, medical alert pendants, and automatic stove shut-offs — add a layer of security and help family members stay connected.
Plan with a CAPS professional
A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) is a contractor or designer trained specifically in these modifications. Several providers in the Piedmont Triad hold this certification and can assess a home and prioritize changes based on current and anticipated needs.