Your home may have been perfect for you when you moved in, but everyone’s needs change over time! Thankfully there are plenty of changes you can make to your home gradually to ensure that you’re happy living and being active in your property for many years to come. Here are a few accessibility upgrades to consider working into your furniture and décor.

Opt for lever-style door handles. Regardless of your age or lifestyle, lever-style door handles are just more convenient! No longer will you need to worry about not being able to get a door open if your hands are slick or you’re carrying something.

Have a ground-level bedroom. Many homes have a master bedroom at the top of a flight of stairs, but if mobility becomes an issue for you or your family members, it’s smart to put the essentials (like the bedroom!) on the main level. Swapping out your guest room or home office for the master bedroom is a good way to prevent issues if stairs ever become challenging.

Get a walk- in shower. A nice walk-in shower with a seat can be just as luxurious as a whirlpool tub.     Plus, only 10% of people prefer a bath to a shower, so chances are you won’t be missing out on much! A walk-in shower reduces the risk of slips and falls, and makes your shower wheelchair accessible.

Eliminate the front step. A raised porch might be aesthetically nice, but even a single step to get to the front door can create a mobility issue for those with wheelchairs, walkers, or canes. Forward-thinking homeowners should ensure there’s at least one no-step entrance to the house.

It’s possible to spend tens of thousands of dollars on remodels designed for homeowners who want to “age in place,” but you don’t need to wait until there’s a problem to make changes to your home to support an active lifestyle at any age! There are plenty of simple changes that will keep your home stylish and set you up for smooth sailing in the future.