Beyond grab bars, homeowners say 36-inch doors, walk-in showers, and lever handles pay off

Homeowners planning to stay in their homes as they get older are swapping advice online about which upgrades actually make aging in place easier.

Here's what to know

That was the focus of a discussion in a Reddit thread on the site's r/HomeMaintenance community, where an original poster researching aging and home modifications in line with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines asked, "Beyond the obvious grab bars and ramps, what have you seen work really well?"

The OP asked the forum, "What modifications do homeowners tend to overlook? And if someone were remodeling in their 50s or 60s, what would you tell them to do now, while they're already opening walls or replacing things?... Bonus points for inexpensive changes that make a surprisingly big difference."

Many of the most popular suggestions had little to do with major renovations and more to do with making day-to-day movement easier.

The discussion repeatedly circled back to circulation and room sizing. One commenter said, "Wider hallways and doors in general. If you're replacing doors, make them 36in to accommodate wheelchairs." Others also suggested designing a room that could later serve as a bedroom, using wide double doors that could fit a hospital bed if necessary.

Bathroom door swing was another point commenters highlighted. One commenter who self-identified as working for an architectural firm said, "If a person has a fall in the bathroom, they can easily be blocking the door from opening in." In those situations, the commenter added, "It's much safer for fall rescues if [the] door opens out."

Several replies emphasized hardware and fixtures instead of major construction. Suggestions included swapping round doorknobs for lever handles, choosing bar-style cabinet pulls rather than knobs, and favoring walk-in showers over tubs. One commenter was particularly blunt, adding, "Say no to walk tubs. Take forever to drain."

Some of the advice focused on routine upkeep. One commenter said they installed mini pumps on dehumidifiers for an older relative so she no longer had to empty the water tanks, and added a Wi-Fi humidity sensor to monitor conditions remotely.

More background

Many of these ideas are easier, and often cheaper, to address during a standard remodel than in the middle of a health crisis.

If walls are already being opened, floors are being replaced, or bathrooms are being redone, widening a doorway or changing a door swing can be far simpler than retrofitting those features later.

Reducing bending, lifting, and cleaning demands was another recurring theme. Commenters mentioned storing heavy dishes in lower drawers, adding toe space at counters and sinks, and reserving lower shelves for items that aren't needed often. Decluttering also came up repeatedly as a way to cut cleaning work and reduce tripping hazards.

What can be done?

Homeowners in their 50s or 60s can prioritize layout first. Wider doors and hallways, fewer tight turns, and a flexible room on the main floor can preserve options later without making the home feel institutional now.

Bathrooms and kitchens are another area to focus on. Walk-in showers, shower seating, lever handles, bar-style cabinet pulls, and taller toilets can make daily routines easier while also improving safety. Even details such as an outward-opening bathroom door can make a difference in an emergency.

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