Smiling elderly woman sitting safely in a bright living room, representing aging-in-place home improvements and senior safety upgrades

The Ultimate Guide to Aging-in-Place Home Improvements: 10 Essential Upgrades + Expert Tips from Sam Simon

Sam Simon

July 15, 2025

This ultimate guide provides 10 expert-recommended home improvements to help aging parents stay safe, independent, and comfortable. Certified disaster restoration expert Sam Simon shares practical upgrades, real-life insights, financing tips, and local advice for families nationwide.

As America’s population ages, more families are asking: How can we help Mom or Dad stay safely at home? According to AARP, nearly 77% of adults over 50 want to age in place, but most homes aren’t built with seniors in mind.

Originally published as “5 Home Improvement Gifts for Aging Mothers,” this guide has been expanded and elevated to offer 10 essential aging-in-place upgrades and expert advice.

Small home improvements can make a world of difference in reducing fall risks, improving comfort, and supporting independence. With over 40 years of hands-on experience, I’m sharing what works, what to avoid, and how to get started.

Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist

Walk-in bathtub or curbless shower
Widened doorways and hallways
Smart home devices
Remote-controlled window blinds
Exterior and interior disability ramps
Lever-style door handles
Non-slip flooring and improved lighting
Grab bars in bathrooms
Stairlifts or chairlifts
Medical alert systems

Expanded Tips for Each Improvement (with Pro Insights)

1. Walk-In Bathtub or Shower
Eliminate high thresholds. Built-in seating, grab bars, and anti-slip flooring reduce bathroom fall risks. Pro tip: Always hire a licensed contractor to prevent future leaks. (CDC)

2. Widened Doorways and Hallways
Support walkers or wheelchairs by widening key access points. Focus on bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens for maximum impact.

3. Smart Home Devices
Automated lighting, smart thermostats, and voice assistants simplify daily tasks. Prioritize user-friendly systems that integrate smoothly.

4. Remote-Controlled Window Blinds
Remove cords and twisting motions. Choose models with battery backup for power outages.

5. Disability Ramps
Ensure safe, independent entry in all seasons. Use non-slip materials and add sturdy handrails.

6. Lever-Style Door Handles
Replace round knobs to ease hand strain. Focus on high-use areas first.

7. Non-Slip Flooring and Improved Lighting
Slip-resistant flooring and motion-sensor lighting reduce falls, especially at night. Use contrasting floor and wall colors for low-vision support. (NIA)

8. Grab Bars in Bathrooms
Secure grab bars near toilets, tubs, and showers. Install both vertical and horizontal options.

9. Stairlifts or Chairlifts
Provide safe multi-level access. Work with a certified mobility specialist to choose the right lift for your home.

10. Medical Alert Systems
Wearable devices or wall-mounted systems offer 24/7 emergency help, with options like fall detection.

Financing, Tax Credits, and Assistance Programs

Medicare/Medicaid: Generally, they do not cover home modifications, but check for exceptions.
Veterans Affairs: Offers grants like HISA and SAH for home improvements.
State/local programs: Many states provide tax credits or low-interest loans.
Nonprofits: Organizations like Rebuilding Together may help low-income seniors.

Talking to Parents: Starting the Conversation

Approach with empathy. Focus on preserving independence and comfort. Say, “We want to help you enjoy your home safely for years,” not “You can’t handle this house anymore.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring outdoor hazards (icy steps, cracked sidewalks)
Overlooking small but dangerous items (loose rugs, poor lighting)
Trying to DIY complex modifications
Failing to reassess yearly as needs evolve

Real-Life Case Study: Helping a Chicago Family Age in Place

The Martinez family in Rogers Park needed help after two falls. We installed grab bars, a walk-in shower, and stair rails. Months later, Mrs. Martinez shared, “I feel safe in my home again. I can even host family dinners without worrying.”

Chicagoland Considerations (and National Context)

In Chicago and the North Shore, winter increases slip-and-fall risks outdoors, making ramps, handrails, and non-slip surfaces critical. In warmer regions, families may focus more on cooling, shade, and air quality.

FAQ: Common Questions About Aging-in-Place Upgrades

Q: How do I start the conversation with my parent?
A: Focus on independence, safety, and comfort—not limitations. Use positive language like, “We want to help you enjoy your home for years to come.”

Q: Which projects should we prioritize first?
A: Start with high-risk areas like bathrooms, lighting, and entryways, where most accidents occur.

Q: Are there tax credits or assistance?
A: Some states offer tax deductions, and veterans’ programs may help. Check local nonprofit organizations for grants or reduced-cost services.

Q: Do these upgrades increase home value?
A: Yes—aging-in-place features are increasingly appealing to multigenerational buyers and can add market value.

Q: Can I DIY any improvements?
A: Small changes like swapping doorknobs or adding non-slip mats can be DIY, but major work like ramps, stairlifts, or bathroom remodels should be handled by professionals for safety and compliance.

Next Steps: How to Get Started

Conduct a full home safety assessment.
Prioritize top risks like bathrooms and lighting.
Contact certified professionals.
Check for financial assistance programs.
Review and update yearly.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest disaster restoration company. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons offers over 40 years of trusted service across Chicagoland, including the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County. We are an IICRC Certified Firm and a proud member of the Restoration Industry Association.

Learn more at servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com, or explore RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset on Amazon.

Contact us: Chicago (773) 376-1110 | North Shore (847) 316-9145 | DuPage (708) 524-0304

Sources

AARP: AARP: Family Caregiving Guides
CDC: Facts About Falls
National Institute on Aging: Falls and Fractures in Older Adults

Sam Simon

Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.

He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.

Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.

In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.

Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile

Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.

Under the direction of majority owner and President & CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:

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