Costs, Priorities, and Low-Budget Upgrades

Minor home renovations can have a huge impact for how long you (or a loved one) can live independently into old age. This episode, Wirecutter’s home-improvement expert Doug Mahoney joins us to discuss the renovations to consider–-whether you’re looking ahead to your own future or supporting a loved one as they age in place.

Doug recently wrote a room-by-room tour of the best modifications to consider. He spoke with occupational therapists and other experts for their best tips on the most important changes to make to any home. And many of these modifications would be helpful for anyone, at any age.

This episode covers:

• Fall prevention should be your first priority: The most critical step in aging in place is addressing potential trip hazards. Small, inexpensive changes like securing rugs, adding extra handrails, and installing high-visibility, motion-activated night lights can drastically reduce the risk of injury.
• Don't rely on standard placement: When installing safety features like grab bars, avoid generic, one-size-fits-all measurements. It’s more effective to have an assessment where someone actually observes you moving through your home to determine exactly where you need support for your specific range of motion.
• Focus on high-impact trouble zones: Start by modifying areas that present the highest risk, such as bathrooms and entryways. Simple additions like a bench in the entryway for changing shoes, or a shower transfer seat and handheld shower sprayer, can maintain independence without requiring a full renovation.
• Incorporate smart tech for convenience: Modern technology can solve many mobility frustrations. Smart curtains, voice-activated or remote-controlled lights, and smart thermostats allow you to manage your environment from anywhere, which is particularly helpful if your mobility or dexterity is limited.
• Be proactive: You don't have to overhaul your home overnight. By identifying and implementing these modifications gradually over time, you can manage the costs more effectively and avoid the stress of trying to retroactively "fix" a home during a sudden health crisis.

Products we recommend: 

• An inconspicuous grab bar: Moen Brushed Nickel 8″ Grab Bar With Toilet Paper Holder LR2352DBN
• Doug loves the U-Turn Orbit Basic for playing his dad’s record collection

Additional reading:

• Aging in Place Home Modifications: Room-by-Room Tour
• The 4 Best Grab Bars of 2026
• The 2 Best Toilet Seat Risers of 2026 
• The 6 Best Shower Chairs of 2026
• The 6 Best Bidet Toilet Seats or Washlets of 2026
• The 7 Best Bathroom Rugs and Bath Mats of 2026
• The 4 Best Smart Window Shades, Blinds, and Curtains of 2026

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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