Written by Megan Smith, PT
Aging in place is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. There are so many ways that aging in place benefits seniors. Firstly, there is a generally higher quality of life including better mood and mental well-being. At the same time, physical health is positively impacted because remaining at home insulates people from the infection risks found in senior living facilities, reducing the chance of coming down with a serious illness.
Generally aging in place is less expensive than moving to an assisted living or nursing care facility. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says people who choose to remain at home as they age can save thousands of dollars a month.
However, as people age, their needs change. For those remaining at home, there is a good chance they will have to purchase some assistive devices and potentially make some modifications to their homes to ensure safety and livability. This guide will help you prepare a home so you or your loved one can gracefully - and safely - age in place at home.
Maintaining mobility contributes greatly to a senior’s better health. Even with mobility challenges, it’s important to get around as much as possible, and there are many mobility aids to choose from to support aging in place.
 | Upright Rollator / Rollator Walker with Seat and Forearm Supports View Product |
Rollators foster independence and help maintain mobility for people who struggle with decreased strength, balance, and coordination. Rollators, also called rolling walkers, provide stability while walking, enhance walking speed, and many models also include a seat for resting to allow for longer outings. Rollators have wheeled bases and hand brakes, allowing users to wheel them along in a smooth forward motion and stop easily. For additional information to help you choose a rollator, read our helpful article The 5 Best Rollators. For larger patients, read Top 5 Bariatric Rollators to help you make the best purchasing decision.
 | 4-Wheel Electric Mobility Scooter by Vive Health View Product |
A mobility scooter, also called a power scooter, can help a user with mobility changes lead a more active life. A mobility scooter helps you complete daily tasks around the house, travel in public areas, conduct daily life activities like shopping, and even adventure outside. Options to consider include how and where the scooter will be used, speed, battery range, transportability, and user comfort. Check out The 5 Best Mobility Scooters to review the features and benefits of our favorite mobility scooters.
 | StrongArm Comfort Cane - Self Standing Support View Product |
Walking canes are great for people who need a bit of added stability while walking. These mobility aids help users with impaired balance or some muscle weakness and offer support to reduce the risk of a fall. A cane can alleviate pressure on joints, decrease muscle fatigue while walking, and decrease pain while walking. They come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles, and can support your gait without slowing you down too much while walking. Visit our article Top 10 Best Walking Canes to find out more about choosing a cane.
 | Signature Life Elite Travel Walker View Product |
The risk of a fall is greater as people age, as their balance can be impacted with the passage of time. A walker facilitates independence and safer mobility for anyone who is aging in place. Although sometimes people do use the two terms rollator and walker interchangeably, there are distinct differences. Walkers are steady frames that have stationary bases and they are picked up and moved forward with every step. Read 5 Best Walkers for Balance Problems to help you determine if a walker is equipment for elderly care at home that will meet your needs.
 | Medline Electric Hoyer Lift - Adjustable Base and 6-Point Cradle View Product |
A patient transfer device, also known as patient transfer equipment or transfer aid, makes it easier to care for elderly parents at home as it helps safely move people easily to and from a wheelchair, chair, bed, car, bathtub, or toilet. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of death for people over 65, and a patient transfer device significantly lowers the risk of patient falls and caregiver strains and injuries. For helpful information on these valuable pieces of medical equipment, read our Complete Guide to Patient Transfer Devices & How to Use Them.
Wheelchairs help people regain independence and maintain mobility, which is especially important when you’re caring for elderly parents at home. Deployed for temporary permanent conditions, wheelchairs come in a wide range of styles and options to meet the needs of a variety of users.
 | Jazzy EVO 613 Power Wheelchair by Pride Mobility View Product |
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Wheelchairs serve people who have paralysis, musculoskeletal issues, broken bones in the legs or feet, lower extremity injuries, amputations, neurological issues, problems with balance, and can’t walk for long distances. They come in manual, power, transport, all-terrain, ergonomic, and tilt-in-space designs. To choose the most appropriate wheelchair for your needs, read The 5 Best Electric Power Wheelchairs and The 5 Best Manual Wheelchairs
 | EZ-ACCESS PATHWAY® 3G Modular Access System View Product |
Wheelchair ramps are inclined planes installed in addition to or instead of stairs. They permit wheelchair and scooter users to more easily get in and out of a house, or navigate between areas of different heights. Ramps can be permanent, semi-permanent, or even portable, depending on how and where they’ll be used. To review the options and make an informed purchasing decision, read Top 5 Wheelchair Ramps for Home.
 | Curve Wheelchair Cushion by Comfort Company View Product |
Along with being safe, being comfortable is an important consideration for people who use wheelchairs. The right wheelchair cushion helps you stay in the proper position, which reduces the risk of sliding out of the chair. A cushion can also prevent potentially dangerous pressure sores from developing by redistributing the user’s weight off pressure points. Check out our Wheelchair Cushions Store, and to help you decide which one is best for you, take some time to read our Wheelchair Cushion Reviews.
Retaining access to as many areas of your home as possible adds to the benefits of aging in place. Making modifications to keep more of a house safe allows for more enjoyment while elderly parents are being cared for at home.
 | HealthCraft P.T. Rail, Angled View Product |
Soft tissue injuries or minor bone breaks can cause pain, limited function, and distress for older people. Even minor falls can foster a fear of falling in seniors, leading them to limit their activity. This will lead to decreased strength and independence, which negatively impacts the quality of life, and lose their strength and independence. If you are at risk of falling, then you are not alone! For a comprehensive list of products, you can count on to help prevent falls at home, read Essential Fall Prevention Devices for the Elderly.
 | Oversized Lift Chair Recliner with Massage View Product |
A lift chair is a recliner with a motorized mechanism that raises the entire chair up from its base to transfer the user between sitting and standing. People with rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy, osteoarthritis, balance issues, degenerative joint disease, cerebral palsy, ALS, and people recovering from surgery can all benefit from a lift chair to lower their risk of a fall when entering or exiting a chair. Read Top 5 Best Lift Chairs for a deeper dive into what makes a great lift chair.
 | Butler Stair Lift with Fast Professional Installation View Product |
Stairlifts are useful equipment for elderly care at home where a house has more than one floor. These motorized chairs carry users up and down a staircase in their home, facilitating the use of the entire house, even when navigating stairs becomes difficult or unsafe. To help you choose the best stairlift for your home, check out our comprehensive Stair Lift Buying Guide.
 | Power EZ 2 Pool Lift with 360-Degree Rotation from Aqua Creek View Product |
Anyone who relies on a wheelchair, walker, rollator, or other assistive mobility device or who has weak legs or experiences unsteadiness on their feet but doesn’t want to give up swimming can benefit from a pool lift. A pool can provide great therapeutic exercise, and a pool lift ensures safe and easy pool entry and exit. Pool lifts can be portable or permanently installed and have several options. To help you make the best choice for your home, read The 5 Best Pool Lifts. Pool wheelchairs can also help you enjoy pool time even when your mobility is severely hampered.
Bathing is an important part of maintaining overall good health. It benefits the skin and should be a safe, relaxing, personal care experience. For people with mobility and balance challenges, specific equipment designed to keep bathing safe and comfortable helps with caring for elderly parents at home.
 | Platinum Health Revolution Swivel Shower Chair View Product |
Shower chairs, also called shower benches or shower stools, provide a place to sit while showering for people who have difficulty standing. They can range from simple lightweight designs to those with rolling wheels, support straps, and backs that recline. They are water-resistant and are slip-resistant for safety. For insights on what to look for in a shower chair, read our Ultimate Guide for How to Choose the Best Shower Chair.
 | Tranquilo Electric Reclining Bath Lift by Platinum Health View Product |
Getting in and out of the tub safely can be a hazard for people with balance and strength issues. A bath lift lowers and lifts users into a tub, minimizing the risk of falling while making the transition in and out of the bathtub. Most of them are battery operated and can be operated with a simple control to make it easy to operate for users and their caregivers. Some models have air cushion designs employing air compressors, while hydraulic manual versions use the weight of the user and the buoyancy of the water to assist in the raising and lowering function. Be sure to read about our favorite choices in The 5 Best Power Bath Lifts!
 | Sliding Transfer Shower Bench with Swivel Chair by Platinum Health View Product |
Bath benches are also called bath chairs, bath transfer benches, shower benches, and shower chairs. They minimize the risk of a senior slipping and falling while bathing. These bathing aids are height adjustable and are water resistant with non-slip feet so they work with just about any tub, providing a stable seat to rely on while bathing and getting in and out of the tub. Review the features and benefits of our choices for the 5 Best Bathtub Transfer Benches.
Shower grab bars, bathtub rails, and toilet rails are bathroom safety rails that are attached strategically to walls so a senior can maintain balance and stability in the bathing area where the floor can get slippery and increase the risk of a fall. Check out the features and benefits in our lists of Top 5 Best Bathtub Rails and Top 5 Grab Bars for Shower and Bath Safety. Factors to consider are the quality of the grip, the quality of the materials used in producing the bathroom rail, how they are secured to the wall, and how much weight they can hold.
Safely being able to conduct daily living activities like toileting is imperative for anyone choosing to remain at home as they age. There are many pieces of equipment for elderly care at home designed to help accomplish these activities.
 | GentleBoost Uplift 3-in-1 Commode Shower Chair by Platinum Health View Product |
A bedside commode is especially useful for people who have difficulty making it to the bathroom. This movable chair with a toilet seat has a bucket or container attached under the seat that is emptied after use. It’s not hooked up to a water source, so it can be positioned anywhere, including the bedside so a person only needs to get out of bed and can immediately take care of their toileting needs. Our list of the 5 Best Bedside Commodes is another resource to help you select the appropriate bedside commode.
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A shower commode brings together the function of a shower seat, the convenience of a commode seat, and the transport ease of a wheelchair. This piece of safety equipment usually fits over the toilet seat but with locking wheels, it can also function as a standalone commode with a removable waste container. We’ve compiled a list of our choices for The 5 Best Shower Commode Chairs for Adults that can help you choose the best shower commode chair for you.
An elevated toilet seat, also referred to as a toilet seat riser, can be used instead of a standard toilet set, or can be a semicircular or circular hollow plastic form that is placed over a toilet seat to raise the seat height. This eases the stress on the user’s hips and knees when lowering onto and rising from a standard height toilet seat. Read more about What is an Elevated Toilet Seat & How to Choose One to decide if this easy-to-use mobility aid can help reduce the risk of a fall in your bathroom.
For anyone who spends a significant amount of time in bed, setting up a comfortable functional space with equipment for elderly care at home can create a more restful and pleasant environment.
 | Electric Adjustable Bed - Hi-Lo SL by Flex-A-Bed View Product |
An adjustable bed delivers customized comfort through ergonomic positioning optimized for the unique user. Options include mattresses, sizes, and control features. Check out Innovative Adjustable Hospital Beds by Med-Mizer for more information on innovative adjustable beds, and read our list of Top 10 Adjustable Beds for Seniors.
 | Hospital Bed Frame with Four Section and Trendelenburg Function - UltraCare XT by Joerns View Product |
A hospital bed can be a useful piece of equipment when caring for elderly parents at home. It can be adjusted to support an individual’s back for comfort and to make it easier to perform care tasks. The head and/or feet can be elevated for comfort or to aid in circulation, breathing, and to make it easier to eat and drink while in bed. To review the available options and models and help you choose the best hospital bed for your home, read our Ultimate Guide to Hospital Beds & Mattresses for Home Care.
 | Solace Prevention Therapeutic Foam Mattress by Invacare View Product |
A hospital bed mattress, also called a medical mattress or therapeutic mattress, is usually made of foam, innerspring, air-filled pockets, gel, or a combination of different materials. These mattresses are usually about 6 inches thick and are flexible enough to accommodate the adjustments of a hospital bed frame. With so many available options, check out our list of The 5 Best Hospital Bed Mattresses to assist you in making an informed decision about the best mattress for use in your home.
 | Acrobat Adjustable Overbed Table with Wheels by Platinum Health View Product |
Keeping things within reach when you spend a lot of time in bed makes things a lot more convenient, comfortable, and safe. An overbed table, also called a hospital bed table, has a base and lockable wheels that allow it to slide under a bed with an adjustable height tabletop that goes over the bed. This provides a stable space for eating, reading, games, computer work, crafts, or just storing things you want to keep within arm’s reach. To help choose the right overbed table for your home, read about our picks for the Top 5 Overbed Tables.
Constant friction or staying in the same position can aggravate the skin on pressure points, causing a pressure wound. These can be slow to heal and can be very dangerous, as an infection from a bedsore can find its way into joints and bones, potentially causing severe pain and loss of function.
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A pressure relief mattress defends against pressure sores by providing support for the head and body, and redistributing a user’s weight. This lessens the amount of pressure applied to any one area of the body, reducing friction and pressure sores. There are low-tech and high-tech versions, made from a variety of materials. To decide which pressure relief mattress will work for you, read The 5 Best Pressure Relief Mattresses so you can see how the different design features best meet your needs.
 | ROHO Prodigy Mattress Overlay System View Product |
Pressure relief mattress overlays, also called mattress toppers, reduce pressure to prevent and treat pressure sores of every stage. These mattress overlays also help boost circulation, lessen inflammation, reduce pain, increase comfort, and contribute to healing rest. Check out our picks for the Top 5 Best Pressure Relief Mattress Toppers. For larger patients, you can also check out the products listed in the Bariatric Hospital Bed Overlay online store.
 | Avana Kind Bed Orthopedic Support Pillow System View Product |
Wedges, rolls, and bolsters provide extra positioning and support for patients in a chair or bed. Being able to hold a position that allows for pressure relief helps prevent bedsores and pain caused by excessive pressure on bony places. These position aids come in an assortment of sizes, shapes, and styles. Check out our Top 5 Best Patient Positioning Pillows for Bedridden & Elderly for more insight on the best equipment for elderly care at home.
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things an older person can do to maintain optimal health. Exercise helps defend against health problems that often come with age, and activities that help you build muscle allow you to accomplish daily living activities and retain your independence.
 | LifeSpan EZ-Folding Treadmill with Shock Absorption and High-Tech Console View Product |
 | G874 Elliptical Elite ECO-POWR by SportsArt View Product |
People 65 and older should get at least 2-1/2 hours of moderate aerobic exercise every week, or, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. Multicomponent physical activity includes more than one type of exercise. Aerobic activity, muscle strengthening exercises, balance, and functional training can all be part of an active senior lifestyle. We have several articles available to help you decide which activity suits your lifestyle and ability, and which exercise equipment will help you achieve your fitness goals. For aerobic exercise, check out our choices for The 5 Best Exercise Bikes, The 5 Best Elliptical Trainers, and The 5 Best Treadmills. For stretching and strength training, consult our list of Range Of Motion Exercises, and shop for Yoga Supplies, and Dumbbells for equipment to round out your exercise plan.
Research has confirmed that being outside helps elevate mood, and provides a boost for physical and mental wellness. Riding an adult trike provides the exercise of a bicycle with the balance and stability delivered by the three-wheeled design, so it’s one of the best pieces of exercise equipment an older person can use. For advice on how to pick the best option for your ability, climate, and fitness goals, read our article The 5 Best Adult Tricycles.
During early middle age, bodily functions begin to gradually decline. By the time people reach their mid-60s, that decline is often significant enough to prevent people from doing things they could do when they were younger. There are many devices designed to address the limitations that people can face as they age so they can remain as comfortable, safe, and healthy as they age in place.
 | Memory Foam Wedge Pillow by Avana Comfort View Product |
Acid reflux is also known as heartburn, acid indigestion, or pyrosis. Heartburn often strikes at night and can prevent restful sleep. One way to address this is to utilize the comfortable positioning capabilities of an adjustable bed since being in a semi-upright position helps keep stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus and causing heartburn. An adjustable bed requires a significant investment, and less expensive alternatives to remain elevated in bed include mattress elevators or wedge pillows. We recommend viewing Avana Comfort products for a great list of patient elevation devices.
 | SaeboStim Micro | E Stim Machine View Product |
Strokes impact different people in different ways, and treatment plans are customized for each individual patient. Stroke Recovery Rehab Equipment and Methods for home use help speed recovery, decrease pain, increase circulation, improve mobility, and support the fullest possible function of patients. Read Stroke Recovery articles written by experts! My favorite article is Stroke Survivors Can't Miss This Opportunity: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
 | Inogen At Home Stationary Oxygen Concentrator 5-Liter View Product |
Seniors may need oxygen concentrators if they have a respiratory condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which makes it difficult for them to breathe normally. An oxygen concentrator can help to increase the amount of oxygen in their bloodstream, improving their ability to perform daily activities and reducing the risk of complications such as heart failure or respiratory failure. Additionally, seniors may have a weaker immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses, such as pneumonia, which can cause severe respiratory symptoms. Having an oxygen concentrator at home can provide seniors with peace of mind, knowing that they have a reliable source of oxygen in case of an emergency.
 | DFree Wearable Incontinence Bladder Sensor with Bluetooth Connectivity for iPhones and iPads View Product |
Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or feces. It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable enough to limit activities. And it can also lead to skin breakdown, sores, and potential infection. There are a lot of products available to help manage incontinence and reduce the impact it has on daily life activities. Read the article Top 5 Products for Urinary Incontinence for more information on products to help keep skin clean, dry, and comfortable.
 | Procare Off-Loading Diabetic Shoe View Product |
Prevention and treatment of diabetes includes physical activity and exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining a normal body weight to manage blood sugar levels. Having the appropriate diabetic supplies is vital to controlling blood sugar levels. The most important diabetic devices are meters and materials used for blood glucose monitoring. But there is a long list of products in our Diabetic Supplies Store designed to address the parallel health issues and conditions that can accompany diabetes.
 | OrCam Read - Portable Text Reader Assistive Technology View Product |
Glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration are all conditions that can affect the vision of an older person. Not being able to see well can make it a challenge to independently accomplish even the simplest of daily tasks that include a visual component. Low vision aids are optical, non-optical, and electronic devices designed to modify tasks and make it easier for people with low vision to navigate their environment. For insight on the features of some of these devices, read Top 5 Low Vision Aids and Top 5 Best Low Vision Watches. Shop our vision-impaired Store for a complete list of low vision aids. And if you are searching for some high-tech products, get ready to be amazed by the OrCam products for sale!
 | Geemarc AmpliPower 60 Telephone for the Hearing Impaired View Product |
People with hearing loss often have to rely on others for safety and communication, but technology is available to help people with hearing loss remain independent and safe. View these assistive devices in our Hearing Impaired Products store, and read about our picks for The 5 Best Hearing Impaired Telephones and The 5 Best Hearing Impaired Alert Devices to support aging in place.
 | Wheelchair Accessible - Grand Dive Pro Plus Hyperbaric Chamber by Summit to Sea View Product |
Pain can raise blood pressure, increase breathing and heart rate, and cause muscle tension, all of which put a strain on the body. Pain can also lead to sleep issues and fatigue, as well as changes in appetite. Oxygen therapy can address many of these issues that accompany chronic pain, and you can read more about this approach to pain and healing in our Ultimate Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. For information on aquatic therapy, compression therapy, heat/cold therapy, and accessories devoted to healing and relief from pain, visit our Therapeutic Modalities Store.
 | Hollister M9 Ostomy Pouch Odor Eliminator Drops View Product |
For patients who have had a colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy surgery, ostomy supplies allow for the draining, collection, and disposal of body waste. Visit our Ostomy Supplies Store to shop for ostomy pouches, flange units, barrier wafers, pouch covers, ostomy belts, ostomy tape, venting devices, appliance cleaners, pouch clamps, deodorizers, and specialized ostomy underwear.
 | Deluxe Automatic Upper-Arm Blood Pressure Monitor by Drive Medical View Product |
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls. High blood pressure means the heart is working too hard, so monitoring and controlling blood pressure is key to maintaining good health. A blood pressure monitor, also known as a sphygmomanometer, is a common medical device that measures and displays blood pressure. To review the features and benefits of our favorite blood pressure monitors, read Top 5 Best Blood Pressure Monitors.
 | GripCert Lightweight Aluminum Reacher View Product |
The goal of aging in place is to stay as active and independent as possible while being able to remain at home instead of transitioning to an inpatient care facility. There are many examples of tools and technology to assist in keeping older people safe and able to accomplish daily living activities so they can remain at home. They include everything from non-slip floor treads to adaptive cutlery to extensions for lamp and light switches. To find out more about aids that help people perform daily tasks, read Daily Living Aids: What Are They & How Can They Help. View our Independent Living Aids Store for a full product list of equipment for elderly care at home.
Aging in place is often preferable to entering a care facility, but caring for elderly parents at home presents challenges - especially if the space isn’t modified to accommodate the needs of a senior resident. The assistive devices found in our Aging In Place Store can contribute to a safe and comfortable environment for anyone desiring to age in place.
Thank you for reading our Ultimate Guide to Aging in Place to help you create a space that will foster independence and optimal health. Please visit Caregiver University for more information about equipment for elderly care at home and successful aging in place.
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
