Many people dream of aging in place, staying in the comfort of their own homes rather than moving to assisted living. But the truth is, not every house is designed with long-term living in mind. Certain features that look stylish, modern, or luxurious when you buy them can later become barriers to safety and independence. Worse, they’re often expensive to maintain or modify once mobility and health needs change. Here are nine costly home features that can quietly make aging in place nearly impossible.
1. Multi-Story Staircases
Grand staircases may make a strong first impression, but they’re a nightmare for aging adults with limited mobility. Stairs increase fall risks, create accessibility barriers, and often require costly retrofits like stair lifts or home elevators. Even a single fall can lead to devastating health and financial consequences. According to the CDC, one in four older adults experiences a fall each year, and stairs are a major culprit. If long-term independence matters, a single-level layout is a far safer investment.
2. Sunken Living Rooms and Split-Level Floors
Architectural trends like sunken living rooms or split-level designs create attractive spaces but dangerous transitions. These subtle step-downs and uneven levels are easy to miss, especially for those with vision problems or balance issues. Retrofitting these areas with ramps or floor adjustments can cost thousands. What looks stylish in your 40s can become hazardous in your 70s. A flat, continuous floor plan is far more practical for aging in place.
3. Narrow Doorways and Hallways
Luxury homes sometimes emphasize sleek, narrow hallways to maximize space elsewhere. But standard-width doors and halls can’t easily accommodate walkers or wheelchairs. Remodeling to widen them later is costly and disruptive, often requiring structural changes. The Americans with Disabilities Act recommends at least 32 inches of clear door width for accessibility. Planning for wider entry points now ensures freedom of movement later.
4. High-Maintenance Landscaping
Expansive lawns, intricate gardens, or large pools may add curb appeal, but they require significant upkeep. As mobility and energy decline, maintaining these features becomes costly, either through hiring help or letting the property deteriorate. Features like steep lawns or stone steps also increase fall risks outdoors. Aging in place isn’t just about the inside of the home—it’s about being able to safely enjoy the exterior too. Low-maintenance landscaping is a smarter choice for long-term living.
5. Luxurious Soaking Tubs
Freestanding tubs look beautiful in design magazines, but they’re difficult and dangerous to climb in and out of. Slippery surfaces combined with limited mobility make tubs one of the most hazardous features in a home. Installing walk-in tubs later can cost thousands of dollars and still may not fully resolve safety concerns. Walk-in showers with no-threshold entries are far safer and easier to navigate. They also provide flexibility if a caregiver ever needs to assist.
6. Step-Up or Step-Down Entryways
Many expensive homes feature grand front steps, elevated porches, or step-down garage entries. While elegant, these become obstacles when mobility declines or wheelchairs are needed. Retrofitting with ramps often requires major redesign and can hurt curb appeal. Even a few inches of elevation change can become an everyday challenge. A zero-step entry is one of the most critical features for true aging in place.
7. Slippery Flooring Choices
Glossy marble, polished hardwood, and sleek tile floors are popular in high-end homes. Unfortunately, these surfaces are notoriously slippery and can lead to dangerous falls. Adding rugs isn’t always the solution, since loose rugs can create trip hazards. Retrofitting with non-slip flooring is expensive and disruptive once a home is furnished. Opting for textured, slip-resistant surfaces early on is both safer and more cost-effective.
8. Oversized Kitchens with High Cabinets
Large kitchens may seem like a dream, but reaching tall cabinets or walking long distances across a sprawling space is challenging as mobility declines. Remodeling to lower cabinets or add pull-down shelving later is both costly and complex. For seniors, convenience matters more than scale. A well-designed kitchen should provide everything within easy reach. Practicality should always outweigh showiness when planning for the future.
9. Complex Smart-Home Systems
Luxury homes often come with elaborate smart-home technology: security systems, climate controls, and entertainment hubs. But as people age, these systems can feel overwhelming or confusing. When technology becomes a barrier, it limits independence instead of supporting it. Upgrades or simplifications later can be costly, and frequent system errors may leave seniors vulnerable. Aging in place requires tech that’s intuitive and supportive—not overly complex.
Plan for Tomorrow, Not Just Today
While expensive home features can be attractive, they often don’t serve the needs of older adults who want to stay independent at home. Aging in place requires foresight—choosing designs that are safe, accessible, and practical for decades to come. By planning ahead, you save yourself and your family from costly renovations and stressful adjustments later in life. The goal isn’t to give up style, but to blend it with function that supports long-term living.
Which of these features have you seen in your own home—or in others—that might make aging in place difficult? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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