Full Renovation vs. Targeted Adaptations: Finding the Right Fit for Aging in Place
- Dawn Heiderscheidt OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
When planning to age in place, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to pursue a full home renovation or opt for targeted adaptations to improve safety and accessibility. The best path forward isn’t always obvious, and it depends on more than just budget. Comfort, disruption, future needs, and current mobility all play important roles.
Here’s how to think through your options and make the choice that fits you best.
1. Clarify the Primary Goal: Accessibility vs. Safety
Start by asking:Â Do you need full ADA or wheelchair accessibility, or is safe, manageable access with current transfer methods enough?
If you're planning for long-term wheelchair use (now or in the future), investing in wider doorways, open layouts, and full bathroom conversions may make sense.
If you’re still walking independently or with a walker, lower-barrier solutions like grab bars, ramps, or stair lifts might provide the safety you need—without the cost or disruption of a full remodel.
2. Shower Design: What’s a Non-Negotiable?
Let’s talk about one of the biggest pain points: the shower.
Zero-entry showers (flush with the floor) offer seamless wheelchair access and modern aesthetics but require plumbing changes, floor slope adjustments, and may only be possible with a full bathroom overhaul.
Low-threshold showers or wet rooms with a small sill are easier to install and often meet safety needs, especially when paired with transfer benches or handheld shower heads.
Ask yourself: Is true zero-entry a must-have for peace of mind—or can a well-designed low-threshold solution work for now? Will the structure allow for this modification? Would an assistive device or a modified construction approach, like a tub cut suffice?
3. Alternatives to Construction: Interim or Assistive Devices
Sometimes the smartest first step isn't construction, it’s assistive equipment.
Portable commodes, bed rails, transfer poles, and mechanical lifts can offer immediate support with little or no disruption.
These options are ideal if you're not ready for a remodel or need to see what works best before committing.
This approach can also help if you’re trying to avoid long-term displacement during renovation, or if you're in a temporary recovery phase rather than planning for permanent mobility changes.
4. Which Bathroom? Master vs. Small Bath
The bathroom decision matters.
A master bath renovation might offer the best return on investment and quality of life, especially if it connects directly to the bedroom and can support full accessibility.
But if you’re trying to manage cost or limit disruption, a smaller hallway or guest bathroom might be easier to adapt with basic safety upgrades.
If you’re still deciding, it may help to explore phased planning, starting with minor updates in the smaller bath while designing a longer-term plan for the master.
5. Disruption: What’s Your Tolerance?
Finally, consider how much disruption you're prepared for.
A full renovation often means 2–3 months of construction, potential relocation, and limited access to key areas during the process.
Targeted adaptations can often be completed in days or weeks, without requiring you to leave the home.
There’s no right answer, only the one that aligns with your lifestyle, health needs, and emotional readiness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you go all-in on a full renovation or choose smaller, strategic adaptations, the key is to create a space that supports your safety, comfort, and independence, now and into the future.
If you're not sure where to begin, start with a home assessment by a qualified specialist who understands aging-in-place needs. From there, you can build a plan that balances your goals, your timeline, and your budget, one step at a time.