This is something I see regularly, both in my reading and in discussions with colleagues – and in my own life. Chez J is a three story townhouse. I don’t mind the stairs at all. In fact, I rather like having the bonus cardio.

At the same time, each step reminds me that if I had an injury that kept me from being able to walk (even temporarily), my home would not accommodate my needs. Millions of other homeowners (and renters) could – and sometimes do – find themselves in the same predicament.

One person I wrote about in this week’s post couldn’t leave her home for almost three years because both entrances had stairs! Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies pointed to the accessibility deficit in its 2023 housing report and noted that more help is needed, especially for millions of people who can’t afford to modify their homes. You can read about the need, and some helpful advice and resources here.

Accessible bathroom with roll-in shower and roll-under vanity, plus grab bar and handheld showerhead.

Making a bathroom accessible supports safety and independent living for older users and those with disability challenges.
[PHOTO COURTESY OF DESIGNER: DIANE FOREMAN, CKBD ALLIED ASID; PHOTOGRAPHER: ROGER TURK/NORTHLIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY; GENERAL CONTRACTOR: NEIL KELLY COMPANY. // WELLNESS BY DESIGN (SIMON & SCHUSTER)]

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