Annual spending on home improvements in the U.S. is expected to reach $518 billion by the end of 2026 . This growth is largely driven by a significant demographic shift: while over 90% of older adults prefer to age in their own homes, only about 10% of U.S. houses are currently "aging ready" with the necessary accessibility features.
What is the Most Common Aging in Place Project?
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), bathroom remodels remain the #1 request for aging in place modifications, followed by kitchens and whole-house renovations. In a 2025 survey, 73% of professional remodelers identified bathroom updates as their most frequent project.
Specifically, the tub-to-shower conversion is the most frequent safety upgrade. This is a critical modification because it addresses the area of the home where the highest percentage of accidents occur.
Let's examine ways to make your bathroom and kitchen accessible.
Aging in Place for Your Bathrooms
1. Install Non-slip Flooring
One in four older adults reports a fall each year. You can reduce the chances of this happening by having non-slip flooring installed. Textured rustic stone, mosaic tiles, and wooden floors will all reduce the risk of someone slipping and getting injured in your bathroom.
2. Make the Entrance Bigger
Standard doorways are often too narrow for mobility aids. We now recommend a minimum width of 36 inches for all bathroom entrances to ensure effortless clearance.
3. Integrate Smart Lighting
Poor visibility is a primary contributor to home accidents. Modern designs now feature Circadian lighting, which mimics natural daylight patterns and motion-activated "path-to-bath" sensors that illuminate low-level pathways at night.
4. Make the Shower More Accessible
For the shower, two good options are making it doorless and curbless. Both work great for individuals with walking aids or wheelchairs. Many homeowners are converting the tub and shower area into a larger shower that can help make it more accessible for aging-in-place.
5. Install Designer Grab Bars
Safety hardware doesn't have to look clinical, we utilize integrated hardware that functions as a high-end towel rack or soap dish. The Two of the most common places where people with mobility issues find grab bars very convenient are next to the toilet and in the shower, but depending on how big your bathroom is, other locations might also be useful.
6. Convert the Bathroom into a Wet Room
People with mobility issues often find it difficult to use the shower and the tub. One option is to remove both and convert the bathroom into a wet room. Get a professional to install tiles throughout the whole area. This will make it a breeze for everyone to access the shower.
Aging in Place for your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it requires a "wellness-focused" design to remain functional for a lifetime. Recent trends emphasize "Invisible Accessibility". Features that support a healthy lifestyle without a clinical appearance.
1. Adjustable Countertops and Rounded Edges
Most countertops are between 32 and 36 inches high. Someone with mobility impairments, specifically a person in a wheelchair, will most likely find this uncomfortably high. You can either have a drop-leaf-type countertop fitted. or get a professional to lower the whole top.
At the same time, it’s also a good idea to consider whether the sink should be moved to a more accessible spot.
Additionally, ensure all counters have rounded or eased "waterfall" edges to prevent bruising and accidental injury.
2. Smart Storage and Pull-out Shelves
Some of your kitchen cabinets might have to be lowered to bring them within easy reach of someone in a wheelchair. Cabinet accessibility is a major factor in kitchen safety. Features like pull-down shelving and deep drawers eliminate the need for heavy lifting or reaching into dark, low corners.
3. Ergonomic Appliance Placement
Heavier appliances such as mixing machines and microwave ovens should be kept in one position and at a level where someone in a wheelchair can easily access them. Also, make sure that lightweight appliances are stored in a place where everyone in the house can reach them.
4. Accessible Outlets and Smart Home Integration
Rearrange outlets to reachable heights. Integrating voice control for lighting, faucets, and appliances allows for hands-free management of the kitchen.
Is a Aging in Place Remodel Good Investment?
A proactive universal design plan is a significant long-term investment in your quality of life. While remodeling costs vary based on materials and structural needs, the benefits of staying in a familiar environment are immeasurable. Choosing to modify your "forever home" provides a sense of autonomy and stability that facility-based care cannot replicate. By prioritizing accessibility now, you are ensuring that your home remains a supportive sanctuary for years to come.
Ready to Balance Timeless Style with Modern Safety?
We are here to help you design a space that looks incredible and supports your lifestyle for years to come. Schedule a consultation with an Aging in Place Specialist today or stop by one of our seven showrooms across the Orlando and Tampa Bay area.
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Related Reading:
- A Bathroom Designed for Aging-in-Place
- Age in Place Without Looking Like It
- A Bright Aging-in-Place Bathroom Built for Retirement Living
Resource Links:
- Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (LIRA Report 2026): jchs.harvard.edu
- NAHB Remodeling Market Index & Trends (Feb 2026): nahb.org
- CDC Fall Injury Data & Prevention: cdc.gov
- NKBA 2026 Kitchen Design Trends: nkba.org
- ADA Guide to Entrances and Doorways: access-board.gov