AGING IN PLACE RESOUrces

Aging in place means staying in your home as your needs change, with smart updates that improve safety, comfort, and daily independence. With the right home modifications, many people in the Grand Rapids area can reduce fall risks and keep using the spaces they rely on most.

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Lakeshore Barrier Free is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)


Providing aging-in-place home modifications that help seniors stay safe and independent at home. We improve home accessibility, reduce fall risks, and support long-term comfort with smart, practical updates. Aging in place lets older adults remain in the home and community they love, often avoiding assisted living while maintaining quality of life.

aging in place Home Modifications

Toilet with blue plumbing and toilet paper roll.

Bathroom Safety and Accessibility

  • Walk-in showers with low-threshold entries for safer access


  • Grab bar installation for showers, tubs, and toilets


  • Comfort-height toilet upgrades and added stability options


  • Non-slip flooring and improved lighting for safer footing


Often requested: wheelchair accessible bathroom improvements, safer shower entry, better balance support.

Person in a wheelchair using a blue ramp.

Safer entrances and easier access

  • Wheelchair ramp installation for home entryways


  • Handrails for steps, porches, and transitions


  • Threshold changes to reduce trip hazards at doors


  • Doorway and clearance improvements (when needed for mobility devices)


Goal: make it easier and safer to get in and out of the home year-round.

Person helping another with a cane, blue and black outline.

moving through the home with less effort

  • Clearer pathways and small layout adjustments (when possible)


  • Lighting upgrades in hallways, stairways, and key rooms


  • Easy-to-use hardware like lever handles and accessible switches


Goal: fewer obstacles, safer movement during the day and at night.

Signs It May Be Time for Aging in Place Remodeling

  • Stepping into the tub or shower feels risky
  • You are using towel bars or counters to steady yourself
  • Stairs or entry steps feel harder than they used to
  • You worry about falling in the bathroom
  • A health change made daily routines harder
  • Caregivers or family members are helping more often

Why Families Choose Home Accessibility Modifications with LBF

  • Helps reduce falls and common home injuries
  • Supports independence while staying in a familiar home
  • Makes caregiving simpler and safer
  • Can be completed in phases to fit your budget
  • Many updates look clean and home-like, not clinical

Benefits of Aging in Place

Person with hands on hips stands on a blue banner, radiating energy.

More Independence

Stay in control of daily routines in a familiar home.

Three people with blue stars above them.

Better emotional well-being

Stay connected to your community and reduce isolation.

Blue and black framed landscape painting hanging on a wall.

Comfort and familiarity

Remain surrounded by your home, memories, and belongings.

Blue dollar sign inside a black starburst.

Often more affordable

Home updates can cost less than long-term assisted living or nursing care.

A blue and white puzzle piece is sitting next to each other.

Support that fits your needs

Add caregivers, medical alert systems, and local services as needed.

A man is surrounded by three blue stars.

Health and family support

Keep healthy routines while family stays involved and close by.

A Simple Way to Start (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

If you are not sure what to do first, focus on the areas that create the biggest safety risks.



Great first projects:

  • Bathroom access (walk-in showers, grab bars, flooring)
  • Main entry (ramps, rails, thresholds)
  • Lighting and trip hazards (stairs, hallways, transitions)
CONTACT US ABOUT AGING IN PLACE
Woman using a stair lift, accessible shower with grab bars, and ramp for wheelchair access.

Aging in place is not just about staying in one's home; it's about maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life as one grows older. By adapting living spaces to meet changing needs and leveraging support services and resources, seniors can continue to thrive in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Embracing the principles of aging in place can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding experience for seniors and their families alike.

MICHIGAN RESOURCES AND SUPPORT FOR AGING IN PLACE

Below are resources and programs to support aging in place, ensuring seniors can live independently and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible.

01

Disability Advocates of Kent county ï»¿

Through advocacy, education, and support services, Disability Advocates of Kent County work to promote equality, accessibility, and inclusion for people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Their mission is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the resources and opportunities needed to live independently and participate fully in their communities. Visit Website: Disability Advocates

02

Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency (AASA)

AASA oversees programs and initiatives aimed at supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities in Michigan. They provide information on available services, advocacy, and resources for seniors and their families.

03

Michigan Medicaid Waiver Programs

Michigan offers several Medicaid waiver programs that provide home and community-based services to eligible seniors. These programs cover a range of services, including personal care, homemaker services, respite care, and home modifications. www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/medicaid/portalhome/beneficiaries/programs/progbens/mi-choice-waiver-program

04

Newago Commission on aging 

Newaygo County Commission on Aging exists to make available caring services that enhance the quality of life and support the independence of adults who are 60 and over. https://www.newaygocountymi.gov/departments/commission-on-aging/commission-on-aging/

05

Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)

MSHDA offers programs and resources to help seniors with affordable housing options, home repair assistance, and accessibility modifications. These programs aim to ensure that seniors can age in place safely and comfortably in their own homes. www.michigan.gov/mshda

06

Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Veterans in Michigan may be eligible for a range of benefits and services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits may include home healthcare services, home modifications, and assistance with activities of daily living. www.michigan.gov/mvaa

For additional information and resources, visit www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adults-and-seniors/acls.