Mike Holmes has spent a lifetime making homes safer, stronger, and smarter. In a recent Holmes on Homes Podcast episode, he focuses on something that hits close to home for millions of people — how to make your house work for you as you age. The goal isn’t luxury; it’s independence. You can listen to the full conversation here.
Holmes starts with a line that feels like both advice and challenge: “Your home should work for you, not against you.” That sets the tone for a discussion about how small, thoughtful upgrades can help people stay comfortable and self-sufficient long after retirement. Aging in place isn’t about stubbornness; it’s about foresight — making changes before they’re urgent.
The first thing Holmes brings up is safety, specifically in the bathroom. It’s one of the most dangerous rooms in any house, and yet it’s where most people resist change the longest. Grab bars, for example, are simple to install and can prevent serious falls. Holmes points out that they don’t have to look institutional anymore. Modern designs blend right into the décor, matching fixtures and finishes. “You can make safety invisible,” he says — and he’s right. The same goes for curbless showers. By removing the raised edge, you create a seamless entry that looks sleek while eliminating a tripping hazard.
He moves on to another overlooked improvement — laundry. Carrying heavy baskets up and down stairs might seem manageable now, but over time, it’s a fall waiting to happen. Holmes suggests moving the laundry room to the main floor or adding a compact unit near the bedroom. It’s a small shift that adds convenience immediately and protection later. The principle is simple: design today for the version of yourself ten years from now.
Lighting is another area where Holmes gets particular. Poor lighting ages a house faster than its structure ever could. He recommends layered light — ambient, task, and accent — with bright, even coverage across hallways and stairs. Adding motion sensors or smart switches helps too, especially for those late-night trips to the bathroom or kitchen. Non-slip flooring is another must-have, and not just in the bathroom. Holmes warns against high-gloss finishes or loose rugs that can slide out from underfoot.
Throughout the episode, the message is steady: accessibility doesn’t have to sacrifice style. Holmes pushes back against the idea that aging in place means turning your home into a clinic. “It’s about building confidence, not compromise,” he says. Universal design — the approach of making spaces usable for all ages and abilities — can be beautiful. Wider doorways, lever-style handles instead of knobs, zero-threshold entries — these don’t scream “senior living.” They just make life easier for everyone.
The conversation turns to planning ahead. Holmes knows that most homeowners wait until after an injury or health scare to make changes. That’s what he wants to stop. “Don’t wait for the fall,” he says. “Build smarter now.” A proactive remodel costs less than an emergency renovation later. It also increases resale value, since accessibility is becoming a sought-after feature. Younger families with strollers, multigenerational households, and buyers with aging parents all see value in a home that’s already prepared.
Technology plays a growing role, too. Holmes highlights smart-home systems that monitor temperature, detect leaks, and even send alerts in case of smoke or carbon monoxide. Voice-activated lighting and locks allow homeowners to control their space without strain. He’s quick to note, though, that the best technology is the kind that simplifies life — not complicates it. “If it takes three apps to turn on a light, it’s not helping,” he jokes.
As he often does, Holmes weaves practicality with philosophy. Making a home safe for aging isn’t about giving up independence; it’s about protecting it. He compares it to preventative maintenance on a house. You don’t wait for the roof to leak before reinforcing it. You plan ahead so the structure can weather what’s coming. The same mindset applies here. Planning for mobility, balance, and comfort is a way of caring for your future self — and for the people who care about you.
Holmes also touches on emotional comfort. A familiar home carries years of memories. Leaving it because of avoidable obstacles can be painful. Aging in place allows people to keep those connections alive while living safely. “Home isn’t just a structure,” he says. “It’s your anchor.” That’s why the upgrades matter — not just for practicality, but for dignity.
The episode’s strength lies in how approachable Holmes makes it all sound. He doesn’t lecture. He simply lays out how small, strategic updates — lighting, layout, fixtures, flooring — add up to freedom. It’s a continuation of his lifelong mission: helping people build better, safer spaces that stand the test of time.
For anyone thinking ahead — whether for themselves, parents, or clients — this episode offers a realistic roadmap for creating a “forever home.” Listen to the full conversation on Spotify here. Holmes’s message lands clearly: the smartest renovation you can make is the one that keeps you comfortably at home.
