As more Canadian seniors choose to age in place, creating a safe, accessible, and comfortable home environment becomes essential. Whether you’re planning ahead or addressing current mobility challenges, thoughtful home modifications can help you maintain your independence and stay in the home you love—safely and confidently.
At Total Home Access, we specialize in solutions that support aging in place, including home elevators, porch lifts, stairlifts, and even hillside trams for properties with steep or complex terrain. Here are some of the most effective home modifications Canadian seniors should consider to make aging in place not just possible—but practical and empowering.
1. Install a Stairlift to Navigate Levels with Ease
For many older adults, stairs are one of the biggest barriers to mobility at home. A slip or fall on a staircase can have serious consequences—and even lead to hospitalization. If stairs are becoming difficult to manage, a stairlift is often the most straightforward and affordable solution.
Modern stairlifts are designed to be compact, reliable, and user-friendly. They can be fitted to straight or curved staircases and take up minimal space when folded. Total Home Access offers professional stairlift installations across the Vancouver area, helping seniors move freely and safely between floors.
👉 Learn more about stairlifts here
2. Add a Home Elevator for Long-Term Accessibility
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive long-term solution, a home elevator offers the ultimate in safe and convenient access between floors. Home elevators are no longer just for luxury homes—they’ve become increasingly affordable and are available in designs that blend seamlessly into traditional or modern interiors.
With dozens of finishes and configurations available, your home elevator can be customized to match your décor and meet your specific space and mobility needs. They’re especially valuable for seniors with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs, allowing full independence without assistance from caregivers or family members.
👉 See available options for home elevators in Vancouver
3. Use a Porch Lift for Safe Entry and Exit
Even a few steps at your front or back door can become a major obstacle if you use a wheelchair or walker. A porch lift, also known as a vertical platform lift, provides a safe and reliable way to enter and exit your home.
Unlike ramps—which can take up a lot of space—a porch lift uses vertical movement to carry a person and their mobility device from ground level to porch or deck height. These lifts are durable, weather-resistant, and ideal for outdoor use in Canada’s varying climate.
Porch lifts can also be used inside the home in certain cases, offering flexible options for split-level or multi-level living.
👉 Discover more about porch lifts and vertical platform lifts
4. Consider a Hillside Tram for Steep or Waterfront Properties
If your property includes a steep slope—especially if you live on a hillside, waterfront, or cliffside lot—traditional access methods might not be safe or viable. That’s where a hillside tram system comes in.
Also known as inclined platform lifts, these custom systems use a rail and cart mechanism to transport individuals safely up and down steep inclines. Hillside trams are popular in B.C.’s mountainous and coastal communities and are fully customizable to suit your property’s terrain and personal needs.
While not every home requires a hillside tram, for those who do, it can be a game-changer that makes an otherwise difficult property accessible again.
5. Other Helpful Modifications for Aging in Place
While vertical access is often the biggest concern, there are many other ways to make your home safer and easier to navigate as you age:
- Widen doorways to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs
- Install grab bars in bathrooms and near stairwells
- Switch to lever-style handles instead of knobs for easier grip
- Improve lighting throughout the home, especially in hallways and entryways
- Eliminate tripping hazards like rugs or uneven flooring
These small changes can have a big impact when it comes to maintaining your independence.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
Whether you’re adapting your home now or planning for the future, taking action early can help you stay safe and comfortable for years to come. At Total Home Access, we believe in solutions that are not only functional—but empowering. Aging in place doesn’t mean making do—it means making smart, supportive choices that align with how you want to live.
If you or a loved one is exploring home accessibility options in the Greater Vancouver area or beyond, we’re here to help. From consultation to installation, our team offers expert guidance, high-quality equipment, and dedicated service.
Let’s make your home work for you—now and in the future.
Contact Total Home Access today for a free in-home assessment and personalized recommendations.
