Quick answer
The most useful aging-in-place changes are a barrier-free or curbless shower, grab bars and a shower seat, a stairlift or home elevator for stairs, and a ramp or platform lift for the entry. Smaller aids like toilet seat risers, transfer benches, rollators and automatic door openers fill the gaps.
Read the full guide: Home Accessibility for Aging in Place: Essential Changes
Bathing comes with its own hazards. These products make the bathroom safer and help you stay independent:
| Product | What it does |
|---|---|
| Curbless showers | No curb to step over. With a linear drain, water drains efficiently and the floor stays flat and spacious. |
| Walk-in bathtubs | A door lets you step in without lifting your legs over a tub wall. |
| Grab bars | Help you keep your balance, transfer in and out of the shower or tub, and catch yourself if you slip. Mount them vertical, horizontal or angled. |
| Shower chairs and seats | A safe place to sit while bathing. |
| Toilet seat risers | Make it easier to sit and stand. |
| Transfer benches | Help you get in and out of the tub or shower safely. |
| Lift | Best for | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Stairlift | Riding a seat up and down a staircase, at home or in commercial settings. Starts at $5,495 (Bruno Elan). | Typically 250–350 lbs; some heavy-duty models up to 600 lbs |
| Vertical platform lift (porch lift) | Reaching a deck or porch, or floor-to-floor inside. The larger platform suits wheelchair users. From $18,000. | Commonly up to 750 lbs |
| Home elevator | Moving between floors without stairs. From $45,000. | Varies by model |
| Patient lift | Helping a caregiver safely move someone, such as from a bed to a wheelchair. | Varies by model |
For lifts and elevators, we quote first and then do a site survey. We install stairlifts, platform lifts and home elevators throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
Universal design means making spaces usable by everyone, whatever their age or ability. Its core principles include equitable use (useful to people with diverse abilities), flexibility in use (fits a wide range of preferences and abilities) and simple, intuitive use (easy to understand regardless of experience or language). In a remodel, that looks like zero-threshold showers with linear drains, stairlifts, ADA-compliant grab bars and fixtures, and planning with an aging-in-place specialist for today's needs and tomorrow's.
Local home-improvement grants, nonprofits, and state and federal programs can help with accessibility changes. Our funding and grants guide walks through the options.
Good to know
Medicare doesn't cover home modifications. In Michigan, though, a physician's prescription can make a stairlift purchase sales-tax exempt. The exemption covers the stairlift itself, not service, parts or bathroom work.
EZ Able® has served Michigan homeowners since 2008 from Traverse City and Kentwood, and ships products nationwide. Manufacturer warranties apply; see the Warranty Information section of each product page.
A barrier-free shower, grab bars, a stairlift for stairs, and a ramp or platform lift for the entry cover the biggest risks.
A stairlift carries you on a seat along the staircase, typically up to 250–350 lbs. A vertical platform lift raises a larger platform straight up, often up to 750 lbs, so it suits wheelchair users.
No. Medicare doesn't cover home modifications. In Michigan, a physician's prescription can make the stairlift purchase sales-tax exempt.
Yes. Local governments, nonprofits, and state and federal programs offer help. See our funding and grants guide for details.
Need a hand?
Call us at 877-392-2531, Monday–Friday, 9–5 Eastern. You can also open a support ticket or chat with Abby on ezable.com.