Aging in Place in Chicago: Creating a Safe, Comfortable, and Empowering Home for the Future

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods – vibrant, historic, and deeply rooted in community. For older adults who have lived in the same bungalow, two-flat, or high-rise for decades, aging in place is a lifelong investment in their home, neighborhood, and relationships. As mobility and health needs evolve, most Chicago and North Shore homes need critical updates to support safety, accessibility, and barrier-free living. Whether you are in Chicago, Hinsdale, or Evanston, the principles of aging in place are the same: make your home work for you, not against you.

According to housingstudies.org, 57% of Chicago seniors own their homes, and 71% are living in units that were built before 1990. To implement aging in place, prioritizing home remodeling projects is essential. From Chicago bungalow renovations to wheelchair-accessible homes in the North Shore, aging in place solutions allow seniors to thrive at home. Together, we’ll explore why aging in place is gaining momentum in Chicago, which remodeling projects matter most, and why working with a design-build firm specializing in Chicago home remodeling can help you or a loved one live safely and comfortably.

WHAT IS AGING IN PLACE?

Aging in place refers to the ability to live in one’s home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. It’s about creating an environment that supports the physical, emotional, and social needs of older adults over time. Aging in place focuses on adapting the home to fit the person.

According to S&P Global, by 2030, one in five Americans is expected to be 65 years old or older as the US population continues aging. Chicago’s seniors are staying put in large numbers. With a heavily aging housing stock, Chicago homes often lack accessibility features. From walk-in showers and widened doorways to adaptive home design in Chicago, aging-in-place solutions are key. Nearly 3 in 4 seniors nationally say they want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. In a city with world-class hospitals, walkable neighborhoods, and strong public transit access, aging in place is both desirable and feasible with the right Chicago home accessibility experts.

WHY REMODELING MATTERS FOR AGING IN PLACE

Many homes are built with younger, more mobile individuals in mind. Stairs, narrow doorways, slippery flooring, and poor lighting can pose safety risks as mobility and vision decline with age. Senior-friendly renovations in Chicago aren’t just about convenience and aesthetics – they can prevent falls, support routines, and help reduce or delay the need for in-home caregiving. Chicago home safety modifications for aging in place can increase home value, enhance safety by preventing injuries, and provide long-term cost savings compared to assisted living or long-term care facilities.

TOP REMODELING PROJECTS FOR AGING IN PLACE

Many of Chicago’s iconic residential buildings – bungalows, two- and three-flats, greystones – weren’t designed with older adults or accessibility in mind. Here are the most impactful senior-friendly renovations in Chicago to consider for aging in place:

• Walk-in showers and grab bars for enhanced safety.
• Widened doorways to accommodate mobility devices.
• Improved lighting for better visibility.
• Stairlifts or ramps for wheelchair-accessible homes in Chicago.
• Non-slip flooring to reduce fall risks.
• Adaptive home design tailored to evolving needs.

Whether you’re looking for Chicago universal design solutions or mobility-friendly homes, investing in aging-in-place remodeling ensures that your home grows with you. Connect with Chicago home accessibility experts today to start your journey toward a safer, more comfortable future.

1. Bathroom renovations – In older Chicago homes, bathrooms are typically small with high tubs, slippery tiles, and tight layouts. Install grab bars near toilets and inside showers or tubs. Replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower and a low or zero threshold (if your space allows). Add a bench or fold-down shower seat and a handheld showerhead. Use non-slip flooring materials such as textured tile. Consider a comfort height toilet to reduce strain.
2. Kitchen accessibility – Your kitchen should support a healthy balance of independence while minimizing bending, reaching, and lifting. Lower the countertop height or add an adjustable work surface. Choose lever style or handsfree faucet options instead of knobs. Add undercabinet lighting to reduce shadows and increase visibility. Install a seated workspace in the kitchen to make meal prep easier.
3. Widening doorways and hallways – Standard doorways are often too narrow for walkers or wheelchairs. Widen doorways to at least thirty-six inches. Use offset or swing clear hinges to maximize doorway clearance. Remove raised thresholds that can become tripping hazards. These changes can support greater mobility throughout the home and prepare for future accessibility needs.
4. Lighting improvements – Install motion sensor lights in hallways, bathrooms, and entryways. Add task lighting in the kitchen and bathrooms. Use daylight or soft white LEDs to reduce glare and improve contrast. Ensure all staircases are well lit with wall switches at both ends.
5. Flooring – Certain flooring materials can increase fall risks and make walking more difficult while using walkers or other mobility devices. Avoid thick carpet, high-pile rugs, or glossy tiles. Secure area rugs or remove them entirely to prevent tripping. A seamless floor plan with the same flooring across all rooms is the best option to eliminate thresholds and allow for ease of access with walkers and wheelchairs.
6. Staircase solutions –Chicago is known for its iconic bungalows, which can pose mobility issues for their aging owners. Steep staircases, deck or porch stairs, basement access, and second-floor or above units all pose major accessibility issues. Install stair lifts or residential elevators for more mobility-challenged residents. Reconfiguring the layout to move essential rooms such as the bedroom, bathroom, and laundry to the main floor can also minimize the need to use stairs. Adding double handrails, anti-slip stair treads, and proper lighting on each step can provide added protection in situations where stairs are unavoidable.
7. Smart home technology – Smart home technology can enhance safety, bring greater convenience, and increase connectivity to family and loved ones. Voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home are convenient for reminders, making phone calls, and controlling home lighting. Video doorbells allow for safer home monitoring. Interior security cameras can pick up on motion or loud noises and trigger notifications to loved ones or medical personnel. Technology of smart homes can help empower aging residents and bring peace of mind to families their loved ones are safe in their absence.
8. Entryway and Exterior Renovations – Getting in and out of your home should be easy and secure. Chicago winters mean icy sidewalks and slippery entryways. A few entryway modifications that will promote an aging in place environment are adding a zero-step entry with a gently sloped entry walkway, installing wider doorways and lever-style door handles, improving porch lighting, and installing a covered entry for weather protection, and adding a bench or seating area near the door for resting. An accessible entryway can also assist caregivers, visitors, and delivery services.

Schedule An In-home Consultation With Our Chicago Home Remodelers

Before jumping into aging in place renovations, consider a step-by-step approach. Schedule an in-home consultation with a qualified and trustworthy design-build firm that can assess your home’s current condition and provide meaningful recommendations. Prioritize safety first and partner with a general contractor who will provide references and help you plan not just for current needs, but also future changes.

Aging in place is not just a lifestyle change; it is a movement towards independence, dignity, and an extended quality of life. With the right home modifications and design-build firm, older adults in Chicago can stay in their homes safely and comfortably for years to come. The right remodeling firm will provide more than just design aesthetics. Working with Areté Renovators will bring a connection between empowerment, design, health, function, and connectivity. Whether you are planning for your own future or helping a loved one, call us to start the conversation now. A safe and accessible home is not built overnight, but the earlier you begin, the more control you have over your future.

If you are interested in a personalized in-home aging in place assessment, call us at 773.683.3033 or reach out to Areté Renovators today for a complimentary consultation. Specializing in Chicago home remodeling, we are experts in senior-friendly renovations, accessible homes, and Chicago universal design. We offer aging-in-place solutions tailored to your needs, including mobility-friendly homes, barrier-free living, wheelchair-accessible homes, adaptive home design, and Chicago home safety modifications like walk-in showers and more. From Chicago bungalow renovations to tailored senior living upgrades, our team ensures your home is ready for every stage of life.

Let Areté Renovators help you and your loved ones take the next step toward aging in place with confidence. Stay safe, comfortable, and independent with the help of Chicago home accessibility experts.