A Guide to Home Modifications for Disabled People

Your home is more than just a place to live. It’s your sanctuary—a space where you should feel safe, comfortable and independent. For people with physical disabilities, including some military Veterans, standard home designs can present challenges that impact their daily quality of life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70 million adults in the United States said in 2022 that they’re living with a disability. And the Department of Veterans Affairs reports that, as of 2023, 5.3 million Veterans are disabled. Accessible housing for our nation’s servicemembers is important.

Fortunately, it’s possible to modify your home into an accessible living space that’ll support your needs. Here, we’ll cover different types of projects that can make your home more accessible, plus different options to help pay for these types of upgrades.

Some Examples of Home Modifications That Improve Accessibility

The goal of modifying your home is to create an accessible living space that’s safer, more comfortable and easier to navigate for people with various physical disabilities or mobility issues. Home modifications for accessibility can range from simple, low-cost changes to more complex renovations.

Home accessibility modifications can benefit people who:

• use wheelchairs
• have balance or mobility challenges
• have a visual or hearing impairment
• have limited range of motion or strength
• face difficulties with everyday tasks due to physical limitations

There’s a wide range of projects you can do to improve how accessible your home is. Even simple tasks like installing grab bars and railings around your home, swapping doorknobs for door handles or removing throw rugs can make a big difference. Replacing carpet with hardwood can make it easier to roll a wheelchair. And large-scale projects like a bathroom overhaul can make life much safer and more enjoyable.

Simple upgrades to make a home more accessible are relatively easy and inexpensive. Other projects will require more time and money. The modifications you choose to make will depend on the disabled person’s needs, your home’s layout and your budget.

Jason Williamson, a US Marine Veteran, was hurt while serving in the Gulf War in the early 1990s. He was relieved of his duties due to his injuries. “Imagine being 20 years old and getting hurt physically,” says the Navy Federal Credit Union member. “You feel helpless, and when you’re young, that’s when you feel the strongest.”

Williamson’s desire to give back to others in a similar situation inspired him and his partners to take out a small business loan and open a Next Day Access franchise. They make home accessibility upgrades—such as installing ramps, chair lifts and bathroom pull bars—for Veterans and others who have physical limitations. These updates allow residents to remain in their homes safely and comfortably.

“To be able to offer people options other than just selling a home, it gives you a sense of fulfillment,” he says.

Let’s look at the types of projects that can improve your home’s accessibility, plus some smart ways to cover the costs of your investment.

11 Home Modifications for Disabled Residents

When planning home modifications, consider the specific needs of a family member with disabilities to ensure your updated living environment will support everyone in the household.

Here are 11 modifications that can make a big difference:

1. Install an entryway ramp.

A well-designed ramp makes it easier for wheelchair users or people who have mobility issues to enter and exit the home. Ramps can be permanent concrete structures or removable metal ones. Typical cost range: $1,500—$3,500

2. Widen doorways and hallways.

Standard doorways can be too narrow for wheelchairs or walkers. Widening openings to at least 32 inches can greatly improve mobility throughout the house. This may involve removing and rebuilding walls, so costs can vary widely. Typical cost range: $500—$5,000 per doorway

3. Install electric door openers.

Automatic door openers can be a game-changer for those with limited hand strength or mobility. These can be installed on both interior and exterior doors so it’s easier to navigate throughout the home. Typical cost range: $500—$2,000 per door

4. Install a stair lift.

In homes with more than one level, a stair lift can provide safe access to upper and lower floors. These motorized chairs travel along a rail attached to the staircase. This gives more independence to people who struggle with stairs. Typical cost range: $3,000—$15,000

5. Repurpose a main-floor room as a primary bedroom.

Sometimes installing a stair lift to access upstairs bedrooms isn’t possible. Another practical solution is to convert a lower-level room into a bedroom. This might involve adding closet space or making sure there’s an accessible bathroom nearby. Typical cost range: Varies widely based on the extent of updates

6. Lower bathroom and kitchen countertops.

Standard counter heights can be challenging for wheelchair users. Lower countertops or multi-level surfaces can make kitchens and bathrooms more accessible. Typical cost range: $1,500—$10,000

7. Install raised-height toilets.

Higher toilets (often called “comfort height” toilets) can make transfers easier for those with mobility issues. These toilets typically are 17 to 19 inches high, compared with standard 15-inch toilets. Typical cost range: $200—$600 for the toilet, plus installation

8. Install a walk-in or roll-in shower.

Replace a bathtub with a curbless shower to improve bathroom safety. Roll-in showers should include handrails and a handheld showerhead too. Typical cost range: $5,000—$15,000

9. Install roll-under sinks.

Sinks with open space underneath help wheelchair users get close to the basin. This makes tasks like washing hands or dishes much easier. Lowering a sink often involves replacing cabinetry as well. Typical cost range: $500—$3,000

10. Create a roll-in closet with lower shelves.

Modified closets have lower hanging rods and shelves. Clothing and personal items will be more accessible for wheelchair users or those who have difficulty reaching high places. Typical cost range: $500—$5,000

11. Install non-slip flooring.

Non-slip flooring can help prevent falls by removing tripping hazards. This type of flooring is especially helpful for those who have balance issues. Look for options that have some texture or are coated to make the flooring less slippery. Typical cost range: $1,000—$5,000

How to Cover the Costs of Home Accessibility Modifications

If you’re considering making home modifications for disabled people in your home, you might be worried about the price tag. Thankfully, there are plenty of financing options for these home improvement projects.

From VA benefits and grants to loans and savings strategies, let’s explore your options so you can make informed decisions about investing in your home—and your quality of life.

1. Check options available through the VA.

For Veterans with service-related disabilities, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several grants that can help pay for home modifications.

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant are 2 main options. These grants can give up to $117,014 for SAH and $23,444 for SHA in fiscal year 2024 for selected qualifying Veterans. The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant provides a lifetime benefit up to $6,800 to fund certain home projects for Veterans and servicemembers with service-related disabilities.

Eligibility for these grants depends on the nature and severity of your disability. Check with the VA or a Veterans Service Officer for details. The application process can be lengthy, so start early if you want to see if you’re eligible for any grants.

2. Look for grants to make your home handicap accessible.

Beyond VA grants, several other grant programs are available at the federal, state and local levels, as well as through private organizations. For example, the Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants program is offered by the US Department of Agriculture. It provides loans and grants totaling up to $50,000 to very low-income homeowners age 62 and older to repair, improve or modernize their homes, including accessibility modifications.

Many states offer home modification programs through their housing finance agencies or departments of aging. Nonprofit organizations like Rebuilding Together and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society also offer assistance programs. Community development programs also provide grants and resources for home modifications, particularly for people with disabilities, to foster inclusive community spaces.

Although grant amounts and eligibility requirements vary, these programs can be excellent resources for those who qualify. It’s worth researching options that fit your situation. Be sure to understand the eligibility requirements and any possible repayment terms and conditions.

3. Take out a home equity loan or home equity line of credit.

If you don’t qualify for grants, several lending options are available. A home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows you to borrow against the equity in your home, often at competitive interest rates. These can be good options if you have significant equity, a good credit score and a clear plan to repay the funds. Personal loans are another solution that offer fixed interest rates and repayment terms.

For more extensive renovations, an FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loan  from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development might be suitable. This type of loan lets you use a single mortgage to finance the purchase (or refinance) of a house and the costs to update it. Low-interest loans also are available through programs designed for people with disabilities. They can provide financial assistance for necessary home upgrades.

4. Use your credit card.

For smaller projects or if you need to cover costs quickly, using a credit card could be an option. Plan to pay off your card balance for any home improvement project expenses as quickly as possible.

A card with a 0% introductory APR period can give you time to pay off the balance without accruing interest. And some credit cards also offer rewards on home improvement purchases, which could provide additional value.

Navy Federal offers several credit card options with competitive rates and rewards programs.

5. Set aside money for home modification projects.

If your modifications aren’t urgent, saving up for them can be a smart financial move. Planning ahead lets you avoid paying interest on loans or lines of credit. It also gives you time to thoroughly plan the work that needs to be done. Consider setting up a dedicated savings account for your home project.

Also, see if you’re eligible to use funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) for certain medical-related home modifications. HSA accounts offer tax advantages, which could save you money.

How can we support your accessible home modifications?

At Navy Federal, we understand that making your home more accessible is all about enhancing your quality of life. We’re committed to supporting our members—especially disabled Veterans and servicemembers—in achieving their goals for comfortable and accessible living in their own homes.

Making your home more accessible is an investment in your future. It can strengthen your independence, improve your quality of life and possibly increase your home’s value. Whether you need homeowner information or a loan, credit card or savings, Navy Federal is here to help make your house a home for you and your loved ones.