Best Home Accessibility Upgrades for U.S. Households

As American households evolve, so do the needs of the people who live in them. Aging populations, disabilities, and shifting lifestyles have made home accessibility solutions more essential than ever. 

Maybe you’re helping an aging parent remain independent, planning for your own future needs, or simply upgrading your space to be more inclusive, accessibility enhancements improve both functionality and property value.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 1 in 5 Americans has a disability, with mobility being the most common limitation. 

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that homeowners are prioritizing features like residential elevators, ramps, and smart home systems that promote autonomy, safety, and comfort. 

Fortunately, today’s technology and design options offer a wide range of solutions from stylish, self-contained lifts to intuitive smart devices that allow voice-controlled functionality.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best home accessibility upgrades for U.S. households, including a closer look at one of the most innovative options on the market: the PVE pneumatic vacuum elevator—a compact, eco-friendly elevator system that can be installed in virtually any home.

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators: Effortless Mobility Between Floors

As multi-story homes become increasingly common, staircases pose a growing challenge for individuals with limited mobility. 

A pneumatic vacuum elevator (PVE) offers a revolutionary solution that’s changing how homeowners approach aging in place and inclusive living. 

Unlike traditional elevators, PVE models don’t require a pit, machine room, or complex shaft installation. Instead, they use air pressure to smoothly lift and lower the cabin between floors.

This makes them ideal for both new construction and retrofitting older homes. Their sleek, cylindrical design adds a modern architectural feature rather than taking away from a home’s aesthetic. 

PVE elevators are self-supporting, energy-efficient, and require minimal maintenance—making them one of the most forward-thinking home accessibility solutions available today.

Benefits of installing a PVE elevator include:

If you’re future-proofing your home or enhancing everyday convenience, a residential elevator like the PVE model transforms vertical living into an effortless experience.

Wheelchair Ramps and Threshold Bridges: Foundational Accessibility

For many Americans, the first barrier to an accessible home is simply getting through the front door. Wheelchair ramps provide a vital solution by offering safe, graded access into and out of the home. 

Available in aluminum, concrete, or wood, these ramps are especially important for users of wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility scooters. They are also beneficial for individuals recovering from surgery or injury.

Threshold ramps, on the other hand, address the small but significant obstacles posed by uneven surfaces between rooms, door thresholds, or sliding patio doors. 

Even a 1-inch lip can be a tripping hazard or a point of friction for wheeled mobility devices.

Why ramps and bridges are essential:

Properly installed ramps and bridges should always be paired with safety railings and non-slip surfaces. Combined with a PVE elevator or stair-free layout, ramps form the cornerstone of any accessible home design.

Smart Home Devices and Voice Control: Intuitive Accessibility

Technology is transforming how we interact with our homes—and that’s great news for accessibility. Smart home devices make it easier for individuals with mobility or sensory impairments to control everyday functions. 

From voice-activated lights and thermostats to automated door locks and home monitoring systems, these upgrades offer convenience, safety, and independence.

For example, a person with limited dexterity might struggle to flip a light switch or adjust the thermostat manually. 

But with smart speakers like Amazon Alexa or Google Nest, they can control these systems with a simple voice command. Mobile apps can also provide remote access to systems from a phone or tablet.

Top smart home accessibility upgrades:

These features are especially powerful when combined with structural upgrades like residential elevators. 

For instance, a user could call their elevator using a smart assistant or app integration, making the home environment not only accessible but effortlessly user-friendly.

Widened Doorways and Zero-Threshold Showers: Structural Improvements with Long-Term Impact

Making a home truly accessible often requires physical changes to its layout. Widening doorways to at least 32 inches allows smooth passage for wheelchairs and walkers, especially in older homes where narrow hallways and doors are common. 

This modification improves overall flow and reduces the risk of injury from bumping into door frames or maneuvering tight corners.

Bathrooms also benefit greatly from accessibility upgrades. Zero-threshold showers—also known as roll-in showers—eliminate the need to step over a tub or ledge, making bathing safer and more comfortable. 

Paired with wall-mounted seats, handheld showerheads, and grab bars, these modifications create a safer, spa-like experience for all ages and abilities.

Benefits of structural accessibility upgrades:

While these upgrades require more initial investment than plug-and-play smart devices, they offer long-term benefits—especially when paired with a pneumatic vacuum elevator that allows full-floor access to every room.

Stair Lifts and Vertical Platform Lifts: Traditional Alternatives to Home Elevators

For homes where a full elevator installation isn’t feasible, stair lifts or vertical platform lifts (VPLs) offer cost-effective alternatives. 

Stair lifts attach directly to the staircase and carry seated users up and down one floor at a time. 

VPLs function more like open elevators and can accommodate wheelchairs or scooters on a flat platform.

These options are useful in both residential and commercial environments, but they come with some trade-offs. Stair lifts are typically slower, louder, and more visually intrusive. 

They can also be more difficult to use for individuals with limited trunk control or balance. VPLs require more space and structural support but offer greater flexibility for wheelchair users.

Things to consider before installing a stair lift or VPL:

While useful in certain circumstances, these systems lack the elegance, efficiency, and modern functionality of a residential elevator—especially one that blends into your home like the PVE model.

Making Your Home Safer, Smarter, and More Accessible

Whether you’re navigating mobility challenges today or planning for the future, investing in home accessibility solutions ensures your space remains safe, functional, and enjoyable for years to come. 

Starting with basic ramps and smart devices to more advanced features like pneumatic vacuum elevators, there’s an upgrade for every lifestyle and budget.

At PVE, we believe accessibility should feel effortless—and look good doing it. Our self-supporting, space-saving elevators offer a practical and elegant way to navigate your home without compromise.

Take the First Step Toward an Accessible Future

Request a free quote to explore how our residential elevators can elevate your everyday living.