Aging in place is the practice of designing or modifying a home so that individuals can live comfortably and independently as they age, without relocating to assisted living facilities. In Rhode Island and across New England, growing demand for accessible homes is reshaping how buyers, architects, and real estate professionals think about long-term homeownership. Aging in place in Rhode Island in no longer a niche idea. It is becoming a practical part of how people define a forever home.

As first-time homebuyers skew older and the national population ages at a historic rate, long-term livability is becoming a bigger part of the conversation. Forward-thinking buyers are increasingly asking not just where they want to live, but how their home will serve them for decades to come.

Forward-thinking buyers are increasingly asking not just where they want to live, but how their home will serve them for decades to come.

What Is Aging in Place?

Aging in place means designing or adapting a home to meet the evolving physical needs of its residents over time. The goal is to allow homeowners to maintain their independence and dignity within a familiar environment, without the financial and emotional burden of transitioning to a care facility.

Key aging-in-place features often include:

• Step-free or ramped entryways
• Wider doorways and hallways for wheelchair or walker access
• Grab bars and support rails in bathrooms and along staircases
• Single-floor living options or residential elevators
• Touchless or lever-style faucets and hardware
• Well-lit pathways, both interior and exterior
• Smart home technology for safety and convenience

These features don’t require a full renovation to implement, and many can be phased in over time as needs evolve.

Why Aging in Place Matters in Rhode Island

Three converging trends make aging-in-place design especially relevant in the Rhode Island housing market right now.

• An aging population: The 65-plus population grew 38.6% between 2010 and 2020, driven largely by the Baby Boomer generation (born 1946–1964). That trend is accelerating.
• Older first-time buyers: The median age of first-time homebuyers reached an all-time high of 40 in 2025, up from 33 in 2020. Buyers entering the market later have less time to move again before accessibility becomes a priority.
• An affordability gap: To comfortably afford a median-priced home in Rhode Island—approximately $599,450 as of mid-2025—a household typically needs an annual income of around $158,000. Rhode Island’s median household income is $85,698. That gap means many homeowners cannot easily relocate when their needs change. Designing for longevity from the start is both practical and financially wise.

Together, these factors make aging in place not just a lifestyle preference, but an increasingly smart long-term investment.

Home design for aging in place is more than a lifestyle preference. It is an increasingly smart long-term investment.

Designing for Aging in Place: What to Consider

1. Entrances and Exterior Access

The exterior of a home is the first barrier to address. Common modifications include:

• Ramps: Can be permanent, portable, or custom-built to replace or supplement front stairs
• Grab bars: Installed near the front door and along exterior walkways
• Lighting: Well-lit paths from the driveway or street to the front door significantly reduce fall risk
• Pavement: Repairing cracked or uneven surfaces before they become hazards

Greg Yalanis of Newport-based Spring Street Studio notes that conversations about aging in place have become a regular part of his work with clients. New builds are increasingly incorporating residential elevators or lifts, grab bars, touchless faucets, and fewer entry steps—not as special accommodations, but as standard design decisions.

2. Interior Accessibility

Once inside, hallway and doorway dimensions matter most for long-term mobility. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, developed for commercial spaces, offer a reliable benchmark when applied to residential planning:

• Doorways: Minimum 32-inch clear width; lever-style hardware is easier to operate than round knobs
• Hallways: At least 36 inches wide to accommodate mobility aids
• Ramps (interior): Maximum 1:12 slope where level changes occur
• Staircases: Handrails on both sides; consider a stair lift or residential elevator for multi-story homes

3. Bathroom Safety

Bathrooms present the highest fall risk in any home. Priority modifications include:

• Grab bars at the toilet, shower, and bathtub
• A roll-in or curbless shower
• A lowered sink (maximum 36 inches high) with knee clearance underneath
• Non-slip flooring
• Adequate turning radius (60-inch diameter is the ADA benchmark for wheelchair turning)

4. Smart Home Technology

Technology is a growing part of the aging-in-place toolkit:

• Touchless faucets reduce grip demands
• Smart thermostats and lighting can be voice- or app-controlled
• Video doorbells and security systems support safety without physical strain
• Medical alert systems provide peace of mind for residents living independently

Market Insight: A Forward-Thinking Purchase

Whether you are designing a new build or evaluating an existing home for its aging-in-place potential, the decisions you make today can significantly affect your quality of life and your financial flexibility for decades to come. Buyers who prioritize accessibility features are also positioning themselves well in a market where demand for such homes is only expected to grow.

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About the Author: Kate Haslam

Kate Haslam has called Aquidneck Island home since 2000 and brings more than 15 years of experience managing residential and commercial rental properties to her real estate work. Her deep familiarity with the local market and client-first approach make her a trusted resource for buyers and owners across Newport County. Connect with Kate Haslam here.