A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning and Funding Aging-in-Place Home Modifications

At Onni Home, we believe it’s never too early to begin planning for aging in place. Making thoughtful updates to your home now means that when your needs or mobility change, your home will already be prepared to keep you safe and independent. That said, you don’t need to do everything at once! A phased approach is often the most practical and realistic way to make changes.

Step 1: Budgeting and Planning for Home Modifications

The first step is planning and budgeting for the modifications your home may need. Early planning gives you flexibility and helps avoid rushed or costly decisions later.

• Focus on the highest-impact safety updates first: Grab bars, tub-to-shower conversions, widened doorways, non-slip flooring, zero-step entries, and emergency exits are often the most important.
  
  

• Local cost considerations: In Boulder and Jefferson Counties, essential safety modifications for your home can range from $5,000–$25,000 over several years.
  
  

• Budgeting approach:
  
  

  • Set aside $100–$500 per month toward home modifications over 1–5 years.
    
    

  • Prioritize safety-critical areas first, but plan additional improvements over time.
    
    

  • Phase projects to match your budget and schedule.
    
    

  • Collect multiple contractor quotes and plan for 10–20% extra for unexpected costs.

By planning ahead, you can ensure your home remains safe and accessible before urgent needs arise, while spreading updates over time to make them more manageable.

Step 2: Identify Areas of Concern in Your Home

Walk through your home and note spaces that feel unsafe or difficult to use. Common areas include:

• Bathrooms

• Entryways

• Stairs

• Kitchen

• Bedroom

Think about both current challenges and areas that might become difficult in the future. This helps you focus on the modifications that will have the most impact.

Step 3: Get a Professional Home Safety Assessment

A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) or qualified occupational therapist can conduct a full home assessment, evaluating:

• Safety risks
  
  

• Accessibility barriers
  
  

• Areas likely to require future modifications

A professional assessment ensures your updates are targeted, effective, and safe, preventing unnecessary or costly changes.

Step 4: Prioritize Modifications and Budget

With guidance from your CAPS professional:

• Focus first on high-impact areas: grab bars, handrails, tub-to-shower conversions, non-slip flooring, widened doorways, and emergency exits.
  
  

• Phase projects over time if needed.
  
  

• Collect multiple quotes from licensed contractors.
  
  

• Set aside 10–20% extra for unexpected expenses.

A phased approach lets you tackle updates gradually, without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 5: Hire a Contractor to Manage the Project

A qualified contractor can make a significant difference in the success and safety of your home modifications. Look for a professional who is experienced, licensed, and insured, and who is familiar with local building codes and permitting requirements. A contractor can:

• Coordinate all work on your home
  
  

• Handle permits and inspections
  
  

• Manage subcontractors

Hiring the right contractor reduces stress and helps ensure your modifications are completed efficiently, safely, and to a high standard. 

Step 6: Explore Funding Options

Paying for home modifications can feel daunting, but several options exist. Start with grants and programs first, since they don’t need to be repaid. Non-grant options are available but carry higher financial risk.

Grant Options for Funding Home Modifications in Boulder and Jefferson County

1. Lafayette Home Modification Grant

• Who it’s for: Residents 55+, homeowners or renters (landlord approval required) in Lafayette, CO
  
  

• What it covers: Up to $2,500 for safety and accessibility modifications in your home
  
  

• Benefits: Supports multiple accessibility improvements (grab bars, handrails, ramps, bathroom upgrades, etc.)
  
  

• Limitations: City-specific, limited funding, application and qualification required
  
  

• More info: Lafayette Home Modification Grant

2. VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Program

• Who it’s for: Veterans with disabilities
  
  

• What it covers:
  
  

  • Up to $6,800 for modifications that:
    
    

    • Address a service-connected disability
      
      

    • Address a compensable disability treated as service-connected
      
      

    • Address a non-service-connected disability if veteran has at least 50% service-connected disability
      
      

  • Up to $2,000 for disabilities not covered above
    
    

• Benefits: Covers major modifications to improve accessibility and independence
  
  

• Limitations/Risks: Must meet medical criteria; application can take months; only available to eligible veterans
  
  

• More info: VA HISA Program
  
  

Other (Non-Grant) Funding Options

If grants or VA programs aren’t enough, a few additional options exist, but these carry financial risk and should be considered carefully:

• Personal Loans: Can fund small to medium modifications. Funds are quick to access, but interest rates can be higher and monthly payments are required.
  
  

• Home Equity Loans or HELOCs: Can fund medium to large projects. Typically lower interest than personal loans, but your home is collateral, failure to repay can lead to foreclosure.
  
  

• Reverse Mortgages (HECM): Available to homeowners 62+ with sufficient equity. Can fund major modifications without monthly payments, but fees and interest reduce home equity, and taxes, insurance, and maintenance must be maintained to avoid foreclosure.

Tip: Non-grant options are best considered only after exploring all grant and program options, and after careful financial planning.

Step 7: Implement and Review

• Begin with your highest-priority modifications.
  
  

• Complete one area at a time to keep it manageable.
  
  

• Continue consulting your CAPS professional or contractor as your needs evolve.

Planning for Ongoing Home Support Services

Many people prefer to age in place in their own homes, and for many, it can be more comfortable and cost-effective than moving to institutional care. However, the feasibility of aging in place depends heavily on your level of need and the support available. It’s important to be realistic: Aging in place is not suitable for everyone, but with thoughtful planning and the right resources, it can be safe, manageable, and rewarding.

Home modifications are just one piece of the puzzle. To maintain independence and safety over time, you may also need to budget for ongoing services, such as:

• In-home caregiving or personal care (2–10 hours/week: $500–$2,000/month)
  
  

• Housekeeping or meal services ($200–$600/month depending on frequency)
  
  

• Grocery delivery or transportation services ($50–$300/month depending on frequency and distance)
  
  

• Home health services (nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy; costs vary based on need)
  
  

• Emergency alert systems or smart home safety devices ($500–$3,000+ one-time cost)

With smart planning and access to the right support, aging in place can allow you to stay in the home you love while maintaining safety and independence.

Key Takeaways

• It’s never too early to start planning for home modifications and future needs.
  
  

• Focus on safety-critical areas first and phase projects over time.
  
  

• Schedule a professional home safety assessment to guide decisions.
  
  

• Explore grants, programs, loans, and other funding options to reduce costs.
  
  

• Consider future home support services as a separate budget item.

At Onni Home, we guide you through every step of assessing your home as well as planning and implementing modifications that improve safety, comfort, and independence. Starting early and taking a phased approach ensures your home is ready when you need it most.