Make aging-in-place easier with these accessible modifications
As people get older, they face a decision — where to live as they age. Options include moving in with a family member or into an assisted living facility. Some need additional care and move into a nursing home. Still others choose to stay in their homes and age in place.
Planning for the future can be difficult — a recent Eagle Woodworking survey found 62% of homeowners expressed concerns about being able to live independently in their home as they age.
Our survey also found that despite over half of the respondents voicing concerns about living independently, only 22% have actually made any changes to their living space to address limited mobility or other age-related challenges. The kitchen was one of the most overlooked areas. At Eagle Woodworking, we offer practical solutions for preparing your kitchen and home for aging-in-place, including custom drawer inserts and specialty drawers.
Key Takeaways
- The ability to age in place worries people. Nearly 62% of respondents expressed concern over their ability to live independently as they age.
- Many have considered changes. Seventy percent of people have thought about future-proofing their homes, though far fewer have actually made any changes.
- Homeowners are willing to invest in home modifications. Eighty-five percent of respondents are willing to spend between $1,000 and $25,000 on home modifications, and 12% are willing to go above $25,000.
Americans Are Thinking About the Future—but Not Acting Yet
Aging in place is on the minds of 75% of respondents, but the degree of consideration varies. While 22% of people surveyed said they think about future-proofing often and haven’t made any changes, another 35% said they have thought about it a little. Eighteen percent have thought about it briefly and don’t think changes are necessary right now.
For those who are planning for the future, the bathroom was top of mind as the place that will need modifications for aging. Grab bars and replacing the bathtub with a walk-in shower were the most common completed or planned changes as they future-proof their home. At the bottom of the list were accessible kitchen modifications, with just 11% saying they have either installed or plan to install pull-out shelves or lower countertops or other accessibility upgrades to their kitchen.
Why the Kitchen Is the Cornerstone of Independence
Despite only 11% of respondents planning or having completed kitchen modifications, this is one of the most important areas to make accessible. Kitchens are high-use areas where people prepare meals, clean dishes, gather for visits, and more.
To make the kitchen more accessible, we recommend installing custom cabinetry, especially at heights that are accessible to those in a wheelchair or unable to stretch to reach items on high shelves. Pull-out shelves make it easier to view and access items without rearranging other contents. Lowered countertops improve accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or with limited mobility.
“Custom cabinetry and specialty drawers can transform a kitchen into a more accessible, safe, and functional space by reducing strain with soft-close mechanisms and specialized storage for heavy items and promoting independence with organized, easy-to-access drawers for everyday essentials,” says Dan Abbott, Eagle Woodworking’s General Manager. “These thoughtful solutions support universal design, making it possible for people of all ages and abilities to navigate and enjoy their home comfortably without sacrificing style.”
Multigenerational Living Is on the Rise
Another finding from the study reveals 27% of homeowners expect to live with family in the future. Of the homeowners who said they plan to live with family in the future, 10% plan to live with a younger relative, typically their children, as they age. The remaining 17% expect their parents or grandparents to move in with them.
The survey also revealed that of those who have considered modifying their home for aging parents, 75% have already completed modifications or plan to. To prepare for multigenerational living or aging in place, custom cabinetry is an adaptable, long-term investment for a shared home.
Homeowners Are Willing to Invest in Accessibility
Creating a home that’s comfortable and safe for aging in place is an investment, but one that most respondents are willing to make. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) stated that they would spend more than $5,000 on home modifications for aging in place, and 12% were willing to invest over $25,000 if necessary.
This finding reveals that people understand the importance of investing in their long-term safety and improving the usability of their home. Ultimately, homeowners want to create a space that’s functional and supportive of mobility needs. For contractors, renovators and builders, this is an excellent opportunity to align your offerings with the accessible design homeowners are looking for.
For example, offering a kitchen cabinetry upgrade is an inexpensive way to enhance accessibility. Existing drawers can be replaced with pullouts or specialty inserts, and you can also add push-to-open functionality to drawers and doors. Replacing existing cabinetry with custom cabinetry that fits a homeowner’s needs is a great way to unlock larger remodeling opportunities that improve accessibility.
How Homeowners Can Enhance Accessibility: 9 Quick Tips
Homeowners can enhance accessibility in a number of ways. Some modifications are simple and only require rearranging furniture or decluttering, while others—like adding ramps—require greater planning and expense. Here are a few ways to modify your home to make aging in place safer and more comfortable.
- Install grab bars near the toilet and shower and in hallways. Bathrooms are slippery, and grab bars can reduce the risk of falls. Long stretches of walking can increase fall risk, so installing a grab bar in a hallway adds stability.
- Remove clutter from walkways and surfaces. This reduces the likelihood of tripping and falling.
- Install a zero-entry shower. Create a safe, step-free bathroom with a zero-entry shower to reduce fall risk.
- Replace traditional drawers with pull-out drawers. Drawers that extend their full length make items more accessible and reduce bending and reaching.
- Lower countertops for easier accessibility. Lower countertops reduce the need to stretch or strain while preparing meals.
- Install drawers inserts. This makes items easier to find and grab, reducing time standing in the kitchen.
- Install touch-to-open drawer slides. Touch-to-open, or push-to-open, drawers remove the need for knobs and handles which works well for older adults with reduced grip strength.
- Remove rugs. Area rugs and smaller rugs increase the risk of tripping, so removing them makes walking through the home safer.
- Add lighting. Increasing visibility can help reduce falls.
Create a Safer and More Accessible Home with Custom Solutions
Thinking about getting older can be challenging, but the reality is that aging in place is possible with the right preparation. Modifying areas of the home where you spend significant time—especially kitchens and bathrooms—can reduce stress as well as the possibility of injury.
Modifications like installing grab bars, ramps, and custom cabinetry and removing obstacles like clutter and rugs can make your home safer, increasing your ability to stay at home as you age. These considerations are also important if you plan on having an aging family member move into your home.
At Eagle Woodworking, we specialize in custom cabinetry, including custom and specialty drawer inserts and touch-to-open drawer slides that improve organization and accessibility. Considering all the ways you can make your home more functional provides options for aging in place and extends your ability to remain at home.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to make your home more accessible, or a contractor searching for accessibility solutions for your customers, Eagle Woodworking offers custom cabinet drawers and doors that can be a part of anyone’s accessibility design plan.
Contact us today to explore our options.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted in June 2025 via Pollfish and included responses from 1,000 U.S. homeowners. Questions focused on their concerns about aging in place, attitudes toward home accessibility, and willingness to invest in modifications.
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