• Accessibility. Improving accessibility means making doorways wider, clearing spaces to make sure a wheelchair can pass through, lowering countertop heights for sinks and
kitchen cabinets, installing grab bars, and placing light switches and electrical outlets at heights that can be reached easily.

---------------------------
• Adaptability. Adaptability features are changes that can be made quickly to accommodate the needs of seniors or individuals with disabilities without having to completely redesign the home or use different materials for essential fixtures. Examples include installing grab bars in bathroom walls and movable cabinets under the sink so that someone in a wheelchair can use the space.

---------------------------
• Universal Design. Universal design features are usually built into a home when the first blueprints or architectural plans are drawn. These features include appliances, fixtures, and floor plans that are easy for all people to use, flexible enough so that they can be adapted for special needs, sturdy and reliable, and functional with a minimum of effort and understanding of the mechanisms involved.

The main benefit of making home modifications is that they promote independence and prevent physical injuries. According to a 2000 AARP housing survey, “89% of older Americans want to stay in their current homes for as long as possible,” but other studies show that most homes are not designed to accommodate the needs of people over age 65. A house that was perfectly suitable for a senior at age 55, for example, may have too many stairs or slippery surfaces for a person who is 70 or 80.