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As we age or navigate mobility challenges, our homes need to evolve with us. Accessible design isn’t just about wheelchairs and ramps—it’s about creating a living environment that supports independence, comfort, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re planning or responding to a recent life change, these ten renovations can make your home safer, more comfortable, and future-ready.
Let’s explore the best upgrades to enhance accessibility—starting with one of the most impactful changes you can make: installing a home elevator.
Table of Contents
- 1. Install a Home Elevator for Multi-Level Accessibility
- 2. Widen Doorways and Hallways
- 3. Add Grab Bars and Reinforced Support in Key Areas
- 4. Install Non-Slip Flooring Throughout the Home
- 5. Upgrade to a Walk-In Tub or Roll-In Shower
- 6. Replace Traditional Stairs with Ramps or Chair Lifts (If Not Using an Elevator)
- 7. Improve Lighting in Every Room
- 8. Automate Your Home with Smart Technology
- 9. Adjust Countertop and Cabinet Heights
- 10. Upgrade Entryways with Level Thresholds and Smart Locks
- Final Thoughts: Make Your Home Work for You
1. Install a Home Elevator for Multi-Level Accessibility
One of the most transformative upgrades you can make is installing a residential elevator.
For homeowners with multi-story houses, climbing stairs can quickly become exhausting or even dangerous. A home elevator eliminates this challenge while adding convenience, comfort, and value.
Why it matters:
Navigating stairs with joint pain, arthritis, or limited mobility can be daunting. For many aging adults, this is the point at which they consider downsizing or moving to a single-level home.
But with a home elevator, you can stay in the home you love, avoid the hassle of moving, and maintain your independence.
Why pneumatic elevators are ideal:
Pneumatic vacuum elevators (PVEs) are designed with space, efficiency, and elegance in mind.
Differing from bulky traditional elevator systems, PVEs don’t require a machine room or pit—making them easier and more affordable to retrofit into existing homes.
Their clear cylindrical design blends seamlessly with modern aesthetics and offers a panoramic view while traveling between floors.
Key benefits of a home elevator
A home elevator is more than a luxury—it’s a smart, sustainable solution that helps you or your loved ones navigate life with confidence and ease.
4 Models To Choose From
Are you looking for an in-home elevator? Simply pick your favorite below to learn more.
PVE30 - Home Elevator
Single Passenger Residential Elevator
Space-Saving Solution
Exterior Diameter
30 Inches
(750 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
350 Pounds
Rated: 1 Person
Per Use
PVE37 - Home Elevator
Two Passenger Residential Elevator
Flexible & Dynamic Lift
Exterior Diameter
37 Inches
(933 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
450 Pounds
Rated: 2 People
Per Use
PVE52 - Home Elevator
Three Passenger Residential Elevator
Wheelchair Accessible Lift
Exterior Diameter
52 - 11/16 Inches
(1,316 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
525 Pounds
Rated: 3 People
Per Use
The Cube - Home Lift
Two Passenger Residential Elevator
Affordable Alternative To Stairs
Exterior Diameter
52 - 11/16 Inches
(1,316 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
450 Pounds
Rated: 2 People
Per Use
2. Widen Doorways and Hallways
Standard doorways can be a tight squeeze for wheelchairs, walkers, or even moving equipment and furniture. Widening them to at least 36 inches creates better flow and ensures your home remains accessible long-term.
Why it matters:
Even if you’re not currently using mobility aids, planning for wider passageways ensures your home is adaptable. It also improves visibility and movement for all residents, creating a more open and comfortable environment.
Simple adjustments:
If full remodeling isn’t in the budget, consider replacing door hinges with offset hinges that allow doors to swing completely clear of the frame. This can give you a few extra inches without needing to tear down walls.
3. Add Grab Bars and Reinforced Support in Key Areas
Slips and falls are one of the most common causes of injury among older adults. Strategically placed grab bars can dramatically reduce this risk—especially in high-traffic areas like bathrooms and staircases.
Where to install them:
Modern grab bars come in sleek finishes that blend with your décor, so safety doesn’t have to compromise style. Make sure they’re professionally installed into studs or reinforced walls to ensure weight support.
4. Install Non-Slip Flooring Throughout the Home
Flooring makes a huge impact on both the safety and comfort of a home. Smooth surfaces like tile or polished wood may look beautiful but can become slippery—especially when wet.
Better choices for accessibility:
Non-slip flooring minimizes trip hazards and creates a more stable surface for walking, rolling, or using mobility devices. It’s an easy win for both safety and style.
5. Upgrade to a Walk-In Tub or Roll-In Shower
Bathrooms are often the most dangerous room in the house when it comes to falls and injuries. Walk-in tubs and roll-in showers can make bathing safer, easier, and more enjoyable for those with limited mobility.
Features to consider:
For wheelchair users, roll-in showers with wide entry points and no barriers are essential. These upgrades promote independence while reducing the need for daily assistance.
6. Replace Traditional Stairs with Ramps or Chair Lifts (If Not Using an Elevator)
Not ready for a home elevator just yet? Ramps and chair lifts are excellent alternatives, particularly for short distances or exterior access points.
Ramp benefits:
Chair lifts:
These upgrades provide safer, more comfortable access—especially when carrying groceries, assisting loved ones, or recovering from surgery.
7. Improve Lighting in Every Room
Lighting is often overlooked in renovation plans, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for accessibility. Proper illumination prevents falls, reduces eye strain, and supports independence.
Where to focus:
Add motion-activated night lights in high-traffic areas and consider installing dimmable LED lights for better control. Increasing natural light through window treatments or skylights can also boost mood and visibility.
8. Automate Your Home with Smart Technology
Smart home upgrades aren’t just convenient—they’re essential for accessibility. For individuals with mobility, vision, or dexterity challenges, automation puts control back in their hands.
Smart tech ideas:
These tools reduce physical strain and allow users to control their environment more easily—whether they’re in bed, on the couch, or out of the house entirely.
9. Adjust Countertop and Cabinet Heights
Traditional kitchen and bathroom counters are often too high or too deep for wheelchair users or individuals with back pain. Renovating to accommodate seated use makes a big difference in comfort and independence.
Modifications to consider:
Making these adjustments allows everyone to use the kitchen or bathroom efficiently, without stretching, bending, or struggling.
10. Upgrade Entryways with Level Thresholds and Smart Locks
The main entrance to your home should be accessible to everyone. Eliminate steps and high thresholds, which can create tripping hazards or make entry impossible for wheelchair users.
Entryway upgrades:
These changes improve both security and convenience while allowing visitors or emergency services to access the home quickly if needed.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Home Work for You
Aging, injury, or unexpected life changes shouldn’t force you to leave the place you love. By making thoughtful, accessible renovations, you can turn your home into a haven that supports your lifestyle for years to come.
Even if you start with just a small change like grab bars and lighting or go big with upgrades like a pneumatic home elevator, each decision brings you one step closer to comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Home?
Discover how a pneumatic vacuum elevator can transform your home.
With sleek design, easy installation, and minimal maintenance, it’s the smartest choice for aging in place.
Request a free consultation today and let’s elevate your lifestyle—literally.
