Your home is more than just a building—it’s where you’ve built a lifetime of memories, raised your family, and created the life you love. So when you think about the years ahead, it’s natural to want to stay right where you are.
You’re not alone: North American studies show that 77% of adults over 50 want to age in place, and in Canada, that number climbs even higher, with 96% of seniors preferring to stay home rather than move to long-term care. However, here’s the unfortunate part: most homes weren’t designed with aging in mind. From narrow hallways to steep staircases, there are several factors which can make aging in place difficult.
The good news? With the right planning and the right aging-in-place home modifications, you can stay in your home safely and comfortably for decades to come. This guide will help you understand your options—especially when it comes to how home elevators and lifts can help.
What is “Aging in Place”?
In the simplest terms, aging in place means living in your own home safely and independently for as long as you wish. Often, this means investing in an aging-in-place remodel, which includes thoughtful changes that make maintaining independence easier. Aging in place home modifications range from minor to major upgrades, and could include:
- Widening doorways and hallways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
- Installing a home elevator or vertical platform lift.
- Investing in an emergency response system
- Remodelling bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms to include accessible features.
Challenges of Aging in Place
Aging in place isn’t without challenges. As we age, tasks that once felt easy can become difficult. Bathrooms become fall risks, kitchens are filled with hard-to-reach zones, and, for anyone in a multi-storey home, stairs can transform from a minor inconvenience into a serious barrier.
Looking for a way to easily overcome these roadblocks? The answer is simple: proactive planning. Instead of focusing on how you can handle your stairs today, think about what might change in 5, 10, or even 15 years. The earlier you start thinking about accessibility, the more options you’ll have, and the better positioned you’ll be to stay in your home on your terms.
The Solution: Home Elevators and Lifts
When it comes to solving the stair challenge, home elevators and lifts are the most comprehensive and foolproof options available. Unlike temporary fixes, these mobility solutions are designed to serve you and can easily adapt as your needs change.
Vertical Platform Lifts
A vertical platform lift (VPL) is an open platform that moves straight up and down between levels. Typically, lifts are simpler, smaller, and more cost-effective—making them an ideal alternative for situations where a traditional elevator might be more than you need. Key features of a VPL include:
- Reliable and easy-to-use vertical access for wheelchair or mobility scooter users.
- Best for shorter vertical distances up to 14 feet
- Ideal for homes with limited space or other situations that would make traditional elevator installation difficult.
- Suitable for outdoor accessibility needs, such as going from ground level to a porch, deck, or other raised surface.
- Shorter travel distances, typically up to 14 feet.
RAM’s Flex Lift offers up to 70 different configurations for indoor and outdoor use, with easy assembly and the flexibility to adapt to virtually any home layout. Read more about this product in our previous blog post: “Top Benefits of a Vertical Platform Lift for Seniors at Home.”
Home Elevators
Looking for something a little more comprehensive? Interior home elevators have fully enclosed cabs that travel between floors, offering the most complete solution for multi-storey accessibility. While once regarded as a luxury item, home elevators can be an accessible and ideal option for many homes with many different budgets. Key features of a home elevator include:
- Complete accessibility for people with all mobility levels.
- Several options are available, with entry-level models suitable for two-storey homes.
- Increased property value of up to 10%, offering an increased ROI for cost-conscious homeowners.
Stairlifts
For many seniors considering aging in place, stairlifts are top of mind. These motorized chairs travel along a rail mounted to your staircase and are a popular choice for homeowners who are just beginning to face mobility issues. While stairlifts are affordable and easy to install, they also have several limitations, including:
- They can’t accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids.
- They require a base level of mobility to transfer on and off the seat independently.
- Limited return on investment.
Comparing Your Options
Are you still unsure whether an elevator, stairlift or vertical platform lift is right for you? Use this chart to help make your decision:
| Factor | Stairlift | VPL | Home Elevator |
| Best for | Ambulatory users with moderate needs | Wheelchair users, outdoor access | Long-term, multi-storey |
| Wheelchair accessible | No | Yes | Yes |
| Travel distance | Staircase length | Up to 14 ft | Up to 50+ ft |
| Transports items | No | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor/outdoor | Indoor only | Both | Primarily indoor |
Other Home Modifications for Aging in Place
While stairs are a top priority for multi-storey homeowners, there are additional modifications that you should include in your aging-in-place plan, including:
- Bathroom Alterations: In addition to stairs, bathrooms are another place where many home falls occur. Grab bars, walk-in showers, non-slip flooring, and raised toilets can help make this room safer and more accessible.
- Kitchen Modifications: The National Council on Aging recommends keeping all frequently used items between waist and shoulder height to promote easy access and reduce the risk of injury.
- Doorway and Hallway Changes: Your hallways or entryways might need to be expanded to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. A general recommendation is to widen them to at least 36 inches.
- Medical Alert System Installation: Quick and easy emergency help is essential for seniors who choose to age in place, making a medical alert system a great investment. These systems send an alert through pressing a button, fall detection sensors, or voice commands.
Creating Your Aging in Place Plan: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Assess Your Home and Your Health
All good plans begin with an accurate and honest assessment of your current and future needs. Consider:
- Your Home: What current areas cause mobility barriers?
- Your Health: How is your current mobility level? Are there day-to-day tasks that feel challenging?
- Your Future: What parts of your house could become obstacles in 5–10 years? How do you expect your needs to change as you continue aging?
Once you have a clear understanding of the above, it will be a lot easier to develop an aging-in-place plan that works for you.
- Make a Financial Plan
Next, determine how much aging in place could cost and compare it to alternatives. While the upfront cost of a home elevator or lift might feel substantial, this option becomes much more realistic when you consider the long-term, sustained costs of assisted living or retirement home fees. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the average rent costs for basic seniors housing were $3,075 per month in 2021. Over 10 years, this cost adds up to over $350,000, without accounting for additional fees or services.
For more information about the financial elements of an aging-in-place plan, read our previous blog post.
- Set Your Timeline
As we’ve discussed, the key to aging in place is being proactive. In other words: don’t wait for a crisis to strike. Start developing your aging-in-place plan now. Consider:
- Installing before you need it. Many homeowners install elevators while they’re still fully mobile, enjoying the convenience immediately while ensuring they’re prepared for the future.
- Phasing your modifications. You don’t have to do everything at once. Prioritize the highest-impact changes first.
- Building in buffer time. Permits, product delivery, and installation all take time. Start the process earlier than you think you need to.
How RAM Elevators and Lifts Can Help
RAM Elevators + Lifts specializes in providing homeowners with reliable, high-quality, and dignified mobility solutions. From versatile platform lifts to fully customized home elevators, we offer products designed for real homes and real needs. Ready to start exploring your options? Contact our office today to learn more about our elevators and lifts! We can’t wait to help.