ACCESS & MOBILITY
Access & Mobility at Home: Make Moving Around Easier
If getting into the home, moving between floors or using everyday spaces has become harder, start by identifying exactly where movement breaks down. The right solution may be a straightforward support such as a handrail, a larger access change such as a ramp or stairlift, or an assessment when the best option is not yet clear.
Start here: where is movement becoming difficult?
Start with the specific places or movements that have become difficult, tiring or less secure. A solution that helps at an entrance may be very different from one needed for stairs, bathing or moving between a chair and another surface.
Getting in and out
Steps, raised entrances, thresholds or uneven approaches can create access barriers.
Moving between floors
Internal stairs may become difficult because of mobility, strength, balance or endurance.
Bathrooms
Getting into a bath or shower, using the toilet or moving on wet surfaces may become harder.
Walking routes
Narrow spaces, clutter, poor lighting or awkward layouts can make everyday movement less straightforward.
Doorways & thresholds
Door clearance, raised thresholds or tight turns can affect wheelchair, scooter or walker access.
Transfers
Moving between a bed, chair, toilet or other surface may require a different type of assessment or support.
Which type of help might fit the problem?
Match the service to the main barrier rather than starting with a product. A targeted modification may be enough when the problem is clear, while an assessment may be more useful when mobility needs affect several parts of the home.
Wheelchair Ramps
May help when steps or level changes make the main entrance difficult for a wheelchair, scooter or walking-aid user.
Stairlifts
May help when an internal staircase is the main obstacle to moving safely between floors.
Grab Bars & Handrails
May provide targeted support around stairs, entrances, bathrooms or other transition points.
Accessible Bathroom Remodeling
May be appropriate when bathing, toilet access or bathroom layout requires a more substantial change.
Occupational Therapy Home Assessments
May be appropriate when mobility, transfers, fatigue, cognition or daily activities need to shape the recommended solution.
Home Safety Assessments
May help when there are broader hazards or access concerns across several areas of the home.
A targeted change or a broader assessment?
When the barrier is obvious and limited to one place, a targeted modification may be enough. When several movements or rooms are affected, or when it is unclear which change would work best, an assessment can provide a more useful starting point.
A targeted change may be enough when…
- one entrance or staircase is the main barrier;
- a secure handhold is clearly needed;
- the household already understands the person’s mobility needs;
- the proposed change is straightforward and appropriate to the space.
Consider an assessment when…
- several rooms or routes are difficult;
- transfers or daily activities are affected;
- mobility needs are changing;
- wheelchair, scooter or walker use affects layout choices;
- family members are unsure which modification would solve the underlying problem.
When an occupational therapy assessment may help
An Occupational Therapy Home Assessment looks at how the person actually moves through and uses the home, including daily activities, transfers and mobility equipment. This may be particularly useful when the appropriate physical modification is not obvious or when several barriers interact.
A general Home Safety Assessment may be a more appropriate starting point when the main concern is identifying hazards and practical priorities across the property rather than assessing individual functional needs in depth.
Plan access changes in the right order
1
Identify the barrier
Pinpoint where movement becomes difficult.
2
Understand the movement
Consider how the person currently walks, transfers or uses mobility equipment.
3
Assess if needed
Get broader or individualized input when the right solution is unclear.
4
Choose the appropriate change
Match the modification to the person, home and main barrier.
5
Find providers
Compare professionals who serve the ZIP and offer the relevant service.
What about costs and help paying?
Costs vary considerably between a simple rail or threshold change and larger work such as a ramp, stairlift or bathroom adaptation. Funding and assistance also depend on the service, eligibility and location.
Find professionals who can help improve access at home
Choose the service that best matches the mobility barrier, then enter your ZIP to search providers serving your area.
Sources and review
Reviewed: September 2026