The first step in implementing universal design into your home is understanding the concept of universal home design. The concept of universal home design was developed to improve the function of a home for all its occupants, regardless of age, ability, or mobility. Making your home safer and easier to live in does not always require big changes. Some universal design modifications are simple, affordable, and easy to complete, such as replacing round doorknobs with lever-style handles. Others may be more complex, costly, and require professional assistance, such as installing a roll-in shower. Once a decision has been made to make modifications to your home, the next two steps are to decide the extent of changes you will make and to identify specific ways of implementing these changes.
Deciding What Home Modifications to Make
Once you recognize that your home or the home of a loved one needs modifications—whether for safety concerns or to enable them to age in place—it is important to carefully consider both the individual’s abilities and limitations, and the home’s features that may pose challenges.
An assessment can help guide this process by reviewing the mobility, sensory, and environmental condition of your home, and then to consider your personal finances. This type of assessment identifies what areas of the home need the most attention and what home modifications might improve the residents’ quality of life or make their environment more accessible and comfortable.
Formal assessments conducted by a professional can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days and usually involve a fee. Alternatively, individuals can perform assessments using tools provided by occupational therapists or local Area Agencies on Aging.
In many cases, small, portable items like grab bars or motion-sensor lights can be purchased from home improvement or drug stores and installed immediately. Handy individuals may be able to complete minor projects themselves. However, more involved tasks, such as replacing fixtures or appliances, may require professional help. Major renovations, like adding a first-floor bathroom or widening doorways, often need building permits and skilled contractors.
Locating Home Modification or Adaptive Equipment Products
Because working with adaptive equipment and universal design features may not be an area of expertise for some contractors, you may have to find some products yourself. Some items may not be available or easily found in a retail store. However, hard-to-find products can be located and obtained in a number of ways:
- Many companies have catalogs from which you can purchase products directly.
- Websites offer online purchasing of universal design products.
- Retail stores that feature home improvement and remodeling products may carry universal design products or be willing to special-order them.
Plan and Carry Out the Installation
When you have decided exactly what you want to accomplish, and the size of the job, assess your skills or a family member’s skills to complete the job. If you have a modest income, you may be eligible for a home assessment/home modification program in your community or county.
- Check with your local Area Agency on Aging, senior center, independent living center, or Community Action Agency for information on home modification programs available in your community.
- Contact your local community development department. Many cities and towns use community development block grants to assist individuals in maintaining and upgrading their homes.
- Ask local lenders and banks about loan options. Some lenders offer Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) that allow homeowners to turn the value of their home into cash, without having to move or make regular loan payments.
Additional Resources
AARP/Livable Communities. (2025). Home fit guide.
aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/housing/2020/homefit/AARP%20HomeFit%20Guide-Singles-05222025.pdf
National Institute on Aging. (2023). Aging in place: Growing older at home.
nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place/aging-place-growing-older-home
Originally authored by Dr. Christine Price, Ohio State University Extension State Gerontology Specialist, Department of Human Development and Family Science.