Aging in Place: Small Home Modifications That Make a Big Difference
By Old Town Handyman & Home Solutions | oldtownfixit.com
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Garage stairs reimagined
This installation of longer stair threads, shorter riser height, and a larger landing platform made movement safer and more comfortable.
Most people want to stay in their home as they get older — or help a parent do the same. The good news is that making a home safer and more accessible doesn't always require a major renovation. A lot of it comes down to small, targeted modifications that address the highest-risk spots in the house.
Here's a practical look at what those modifications are, where to start, and what they typically cost in the Lafayette area.
Why It Matters (and Why Sooner Is Better)
Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults over 65, and the majority happen at home — in bathrooms, on stairs, and in the garage. Most of the modifications below cost a few hundred dollars or less, and they're far less disruptive (and expensive) to do proactively than reactively after an incident.
If you're helping an aging parent evaluate their home, or if you're thinking ahead for yourself, this is a good list to start with.
Bathroom: The Highest Priority
The bathroom is where most falls happen. These are the modifications we install most often:
Grab bars This is the single most impactful change you can make. Properly installed grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower provide a reliable handhold when it matters most. They need to be anchored into studs or with proper toggle hardware — a towel bar pulled from the wall is worse than nothing.
Typical cost: $100–$200 per bar, installed
Walk-in shower conversion or threshold reduction Standard tub/shower combos require stepping over a ledge, which is a trip hazard. A walk-in shower with a low or zero threshold dramatically reduces that risk.
Scope varies — can be a simple threshold modification or a full shower swap
Handheld showerhead Easy to install, makes bathing much safer and more comfortable for anyone with limited mobility.
Typical cost: $75–$150, installed
Non-slip flooring or mats Tile can be dangerously slick when wet. Non-slip mats with proper backing, or textured adhesive strips in the shower, help significantly.
Entryways and Stairs
Handrails on both sides of stairs Most interior staircases only have a railing on one side. Adding a second rail gives a stable grip going both up and down — especially important for people who favor one side due to a hip replacement or knee issues.
Typical cost: $150–$300 per railing
Ramp or threshold ramp at entry doors Even a small step at the front or garage door can be a barrier for someone using a walker or wheelchair. A small threshold ramp (for minor height differences) or a short wooden ramp can solve this simply.
Typical cost: $100–$400 depending on scope
Better exterior lighting Motion-activated lights at the front door, side gate, and driveway make nighttime navigation much safer — and are one of the easiest installs on this list.
Typical cost: $100–$200 per fixture, installed
Inside the Home
Lever door handles (replacing round knobs) Round knobs are difficult to operate with arthritis or reduced grip strength. Lever-style handles work with a closed fist and are a straightforward swap on any interior door.
Typical cost: $50–$100 per door, installed
Raised toilet seats or comfort-height toilet installation Standard toilets sit lower than is comfortable (or safe) for many older adults. A comfort-height toilet or a raised seat adapter makes a meaningful difference.
Cabinet and drawer pull upgrades Similar to door handles — larger, easier-to-grip hardware reduces daily frustration and strain.
Typical cost: $150–$300 for a typical kitchen, installed
Removing or securing area rugs Loose rugs are a trip hazard, plain and simple. Either removing them or securing them with non-slip pads and double-sided tape is a free or near-free fix with real impact.
Garage and Exterior
Keypad entry or smart lock Eliminates fumbling with keys, and lets family members or caregivers have access without duplicating physical keys.
Improved garage lighting Garages are often poorly lit. Adding overhead LED shop lights makes the space much safer to navigate.
Step handrail at garage entry The step from garage to interior of the house is a common fall spot. A simple wall-mounted handrail here is a quick, inexpensive fix.
Where to Start
If you're not sure where to begin, a good approach is to walk through the home and identify the spots that already feel uncertain — where you grab the wall for support, where you've had a near-miss, or where you feel unsteady. Those are your priorities.
We're happy to do a walkthrough and give you a practical list of recommendations with no pressure. Most aging-in-place projects can be done room by room, spread out over time, without a big upfront investment.
Serving Lafayette and the Surrounding Area
Old Town Handyman & Home Solutions serves homeowners in Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Broomfield, and Erie. Aging-in-place modifications are one of our most requested services — both for homeowners planning ahead and for adult children helping a parent make their home safer.
Let's talk about what makes sense for your home. Reach out at oldtownfixit.com to schedule a visit.
Old Town Handyman & Home Solutions is a locally owned handyman service based in Lafayette, CO. We handle the repairs, installations, and modifications that help your home work better for the life you're living now — and the one ahead.
