Aging in Place: Smart, Affordable Home Upgrades for Denver-Metro Seniors

Aging in Place

Cost is a very real reason older people want to stay in their homes. In the Denver-Metro area, moving into an assisted living home can cost between $5,200 to $6,235 per month. That doesn’t necessarily include meals, laundry services, or housekeeping. 

Comfort matters just as much as cost. For many older adults, their home isn't just a house; it's decades of memories, and often, a mortgage they've already paid off. Aging shouldn't mean giving up that sense of security, especially when finances are already a worry. 

As folks age, their mobility needs shift. Additionally, preventing falls is paramount to people who are staying in their homes. 

There are concerns, however, as older people choose to age in their own homes, including entering and exiting their homes, bathing/bathroom concerns, stairs, and tripping hazards. 

What can be done to help older people stay in their homes?

Bathrooms:

1. Grab bars secured to the walls in the bathroom can help folks easily get in and out of their showers. 

These cost approximately $30+, depending on color, style, and material.

Have a professional install them, which can cost approximately $80-$200 per hour. 

You might also need your shower walls reinforced, which could run $150-$400, depending on the needed work. 

2. Zero threshold walk-in showers integrate seamlessly with your floor, allowing you to easily step into a shower.

This means you might need to have your bathtub removed and a new shower stall installed. 

Approximate costs could run between $4000 for a prefabricated shower kit to $12,000 for a tub removal and a new shower installed. 

Depending on the space, a shower bench can also be added along with grab bars to make showering much easier for older adults. 

3. Walk-in tubs. Maybe you would rather bathe in a tub than a shower. 

Walk-in tubs are an option. The tubs themselves cost between $4000-$20,000, depending on what type of tub you prefer: soaker tubs, air/hydrotherapy, or luxury/combo units. 

Professional installation may cost between $1500-$5000 dollars and doesn’t include if you need a water heater updated, structural framing work (these tubs are heavy, and your floor joists might need to be reinforced, additional plumbing and electrical work, depending on the type of tub. 

4. Raised toilet seats. There are many different types of raised toilet seats, which means the costs vary as well. 

For basic risers (no arms), your cost is between $20-$40 dollars. Hinged risers, in the $50-$60 range,  are just taller versions of a toilet seat, allowing the lid and seat to be lifted, making them easier to clean. 

There are also risers with armrests, which help lift or lower a person. These range between $50-$90 dollars. 

Another suggestion for the bathroom: remove throw rugs, which can be hazardous to older people, causing them to trip and fall. If your tile is too slick, which is why you have rugs, you might consider putting in a safer floor, like laminate that is made for moist spaces. 

Access Points Considerations:

Getting in and out of a home can be tricky for older people, especially if there are steps. There are a couple of types of ramps to consider:

1. Threshold ramps, also called step ramps, are designed to help older homeowners transition between the interior and exterior door threshold or any small steps throughout the home.

 In addition, these ramps prevent falls from occurring between any floor transitions throughout the home. 

Threshold ramps come in various heights, ranging from ½ inch to 2 inches, and four adjustable leg models ranging from 1 ½ inches to 8 inches. 

Their cost ranges from $50-$350, depending on the material used. 

2. Ramps (also known as wheelchair ramps) can ease the transition in and out of a home.

  These ramps are recommended for people who use a wheelchair, a cane, a walker, or crutches.

When researching what ramp best suits a home, potential buyers must look for ramps that follow Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for home modifications. ADA ramps adhere to specific guidelines for ramp safety. 

The cost varies, depending on size and material used, plus installation. 

3. Chairlifts, also known as stairlifts,  are another customization to help older adults live independently. 

Stairlift costs with professional installation range from $2,500 to $15,000+, depending on the staircase configuration. 

Standard straight indoor units cost between $2,500 and $7,500, while custom-curved models or outdoor setups cost $10,000 to $15,000+. 

Installation and consultation usually account for $500 to $1,500 of the total. A professional installer is best for chairlifts.

4. Home elevators are another option, which costs between $30,000-$60,000+. It’s best to consult with a professional company if you’re considering adding a home elevator. 

5. Other tripping hazards include cords. There are cord clips, tie mounts, sleeves, and ties, which bundle cords and keep them out of the way. 

Aging in place isn't just possible for many older adults, it's the more affordable and comfortable choice, especially when compared to the rising cost of assisted living in the Denver-Metro area. 

The good news is that most of the barriers standing in the way (bathroom safety, tricky entryways, stairs) have practical, well-established solutions, whether that's a $30 grab bar or a full stairlift installation.

The upfront costs can feel daunting, but they're rarely all-or-nothing. Many families start with the highest-impact, lowest-cost changes, such as grab bars, removing throw rugs, and a threshold ramp, and build from there. And while traditional Medicare typically won't cover home modifications, it's worth looking into Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, VA Aid & Attendance benefits (for veterans and their spouses), or supplemental benefits offered through some Medicare Advantage plans, as these can sometimes help offset the cost.

If you're not sure where to start, a home safety assessment from an occupational therapist or aging-in-place specialist can help you prioritize which changes will make the biggest difference for your specific home and needs.