Home Modifications for Arthritis: Create a Joint-Friendly Living Space

Key Takeaways

Simple modifications can dramatically reduce daily joint strain
Start with the highest-impact changes: bathroom safety, kitchen accessibility, bedroom comfort
Many modifications are inexpensive and don’t require permanent changes
Proper lighting reduces fall risk and makes tasks easier
Lever handles, grab bars, and raised seating are game-changers
An occupational therapist can provide personalized recommendations

Your home should be a place of comfort and safety, not a daily obstacle course that aggravates your joints. The good news is that many modifications are simple, affordable, and make an immediate difference in how you feel at the end of each day.

This room-by-room guide covers modifications from quick fixes to more substantial changes, so you can prioritize based on your needs and budget.

General Principles

Before diving into specific rooms, keep these principles in mind:

Reduce Bending and Reaching

Bring frequently used items to waist height
Store heavy items at hip level, not on high shelves or low cabinets
Use reachers for items beyond comfortable reach

Minimize Gripping and Twisting

Replace round doorknobs with lever handles
Use loop handles on drawers
Choose pull-out shelving over deep cabinets

Improve Stability and Safety

Remove tripping hazards (loose rugs, cords)
Ensure adequate lighting everywhere
Install grab bars where you need support

Create Rest Points

Place seating throughout the home
Position chairs where you naturally pause
Ensure you can rest during longer tasks

Bathroom Modifications

The bathroom is the most dangerous room in the home for people with joint problems—hard surfaces, wet conditions, and activities requiring balance all create fall risks.

Toilet Area

Raised toilet seat:

Adds 2-6 inches to standard toilet height
Makes sitting and standing much easier on knees and hips
Clamp-on models require no installation
Padded versions add comfort

Toilet safety frame:

Rails on either side provide support for sitting and standing
Freestanding models require no installation
Combined seat riser and frame units are available

Comfort height toilet:

Permanent solution—17-19 inches high vs. standard 15 inches
Requires plumber installation
Worth considering during any bathroom renovation

Shower and Tub

Grab bars:

Install near tub entry/exit points
Inside shower for stability
Must be properly anchored into studs (not suction cups for primary support)
L-shaped bars provide both horizontal and vertical grip

Shower seat or bench:

Allows sitting while bathing
Built-in, folding, or removable options
Transfer bench bridges tub wall for easier entry
Shower chair with back provides more support

Walk-in shower conversion:

Eliminates climbing over tub edge
Zero-threshold entry is ideal
Can include built-in seating
Major renovation but transformative

Non-slip surfaces:

Textured bath mat inside tub
Non-slip strips or coating on floor
Non-slip mat outside tub for wet feet

Handheld showerhead:

Allows seated showering
Easier to rinse without twisting
Inexpensive and easy to install

Sink Area

Lever faucet handles:

Replace twist knobs
Operate with palm or forearm, not fingers
Single-lever models easiest

Raised vanity:

Counter-height sinks reduce bending
Vessel sinks on countertop provide extra height
Consider during any renovation

Kitchen Modifications

You likely spend significant time in the kitchen. Making it joint-friendly pays dividends daily.

Cabinets and Storage

Pull-out shelving:

Brings items to you instead of reaching deep into cabinets
Retrofit kits available for existing cabinets
Essential for lower cabinets

Lazy Susans:

Rotate contents to front access
Ideal for corner cabinets
Available in various sizes

Wall organization:

Magnetic knife strips at comfortable height
Hanging racks for pots and utensils
Pegboard for frequently used items

Reorganize for accessibility:

Daily items between waist and eye level
Heavy items at waist height
Rarely used items on highest and lowest shelves
Duplicate frequently used items (keep scissors in multiple rooms)

Counters and Workspaces

Counter height:

Standard counters may require bending
Ideal work height varies—generally where your forearms rest comfortably
A portable raised cutting board can increase work height
Consider one section at seated height for resting while working

Workspace seating:

Kitchen stool or tall chair at counter
Allows sitting during prep work
Reduces standing fatigue

Appliance placement:

Bring frequently used items to counter level
Store the mixer on the counter, not in a cabinet
Pull-out appliance shelves bring heavy items up

Sink and Dishwasher

Lever faucets:

As in bathroom—easier than twist handles
Touchless faucets eliminate gripping entirely

Dishwasher modifications:

Drawer dishwashers are easier to load/unload (no bending)
Raised dishwasher installation (in drawer banks) is becoming more common
At minimum, consider a dishwasher rack that rolls out

Cooking Safety

Auto-shutoff appliances:

Reduces worry about forgetting to turn things off
Available in kettles, coffee makers, and some ranges

Front-control ranges:

No reaching over hot burners
Induction cooktops are cooler and safer

Lightweight cookware:

Cast iron is beautiful but heavy—consider alternatives
Non-stick reduces scrubbing
Smaller pots and pans that match your needs

Opening Things

Electric can opener:

Essential for hand arthritis
Countertop models are most stable

Jar opener:

Under-cabinet mounted versions grip while you twist
Rubber grip discs provide extra traction
Electric openers available

Package opener:

Ring pulls on cans
Pre-cut or easy-open packaging when available

Bedroom Modifications

Quality sleep is essential for managing joint pain, and getting in and out of bed shouldn’t hurt.

The Bed

Bed height:

Should allow sitting with feet flat on floor and knees at 90 degrees
Bed risers raise a low bed
Reduce box spring height or use platform for a too-high bed
Adjustable beds let you find the perfect height

Mattress:

Medium-firm generally recommended for arthritis
Consider adjustable firmness options
Memory foam may help—try before buying
Mattress toppers can modify existing mattress

Bed rails:

Assist with getting in and out
Provide stability when turning
Various styles from handle to full rail

Adjustable bed base:

Raise head and feet for comfortable positioning
Makes getting out easier
Some models include massage features

Dressing

Chair or bench:

Sit to dress rather than balancing on one foot
Place near closet or dresser

Closet organization:

Lower hanging rods to accessible height
Use pull-down closet rods for upper storage
Drawer organizers reduce digging
Good lighting inside closet

Dressing aids:

Long-handled shoehorn
Sock aids for pulling on socks
Button hooks for small buttons
Zipper pulls with loops
Elastic shoelaces (no tying)

Getting Up at Night

Pathway lighting:

Motion-activated nightlights
Lit path to bathroom
No fumbling for switches in the dark

Bedside organization:

Phone and water within reach
Flashlight in case of power outage
Medications if taken at night

Living Areas

Seating

Chair selection:

Firm cushions (easier to rise from than soft)
Armrests for pushing up
Seat height 17-19 inches
Recliners with power lift feature

Rising aids:

Lift cushions that assist standing
Lift chairs (powered rising assistance)
Couch cane (portable rising aid)

Flooring and Rugs

Remove tripping hazards:

Secure or remove loose rugs
Tape down rug edges
Consider removing rugs entirely

Flooring considerations:

Low-pile carpet provides cushioning and grip
Cork flooring is softer on joints
Avoid slippery surfaces

Lighting

Adequate illumination:

Good lighting reduces fall risk
Important for reading and tasks
Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting

Easy controls:

Rocker switches easier than toggle
Touch lamps eliminate switch manipulation
Smart home voice control (“Hey Google, turn on lights”)
Remote controls near seating

Stairs

If you have stairs:

Sturdy handrails on both sides
Mark edge of steps for visibility
Non-slip treads
Good lighting

Avoiding stairs:

Set up a main floor living area if possible
Move bedroom to ground floor
Stair lifts for multi-story homes

Entry and Exits

Doors

Lever handles:

Replace round doorknobs throughout
Easier for hands and can be operated with elbow

Door width:

Standard doors (32”) may be narrow for mobility aids
Offset hinges can add 2” of clearance
Consider wider doors if renovating

Outdoor Access

Pathway:

Level, non-slip surface
Eliminate or minimize steps
Handrails where needed
Adequate lighting

Ramp:

May be needed for wheelchair or walker access
Portable ramps available
Permanent ramps should have gradual slope

Outdoor seating:

Bench near entry for resting
After carrying groceries in, etc.

Getting Started

Prioritize

You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with:

Safety first: Bathroom grab bars, lighting, remove tripping hazards
Daily activities: Kitchen accessibility, dressing aids
Comfort: Seating, bed modifications
Nice to have: Additional convenience items

Professional Assessment

Consider consulting an occupational therapist:

Home assessment identifies specific needs
Recommendations tailored to your condition
May be covered by insurance
Can help with equipment selection

Funding Assistance

Possible financial help:

Medicare may cover some durable medical equipment
Medicaid waiver programs for home modifications
Area Agency on Aging programs
Rebuilding Together and similar nonprofits
Some modifications may be tax-deductible as medical expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to tell my landlord about modifications?

For renters, it depends on your lease and local laws. The Fair Housing Act requires landlords to allow reasonable modifications for disabilities, though you may need to restore the unit when you leave. Portable items (raised toilet seats, grab bars with anchors you can remove) avoid this issue.

Will modifications affect my home’s resale value?

Most modifications are neutral or positive for resale. Universal design features appeal to aging-in-place buyers. Grab bars, lever handles, and good lighting benefit everyone. More significant modifications (stair lifts, roll-in showers) appeal to the growing market of older buyers.

Should I make modifications now or wait until I need them?

Generally, sooner is better. Making modifications while you’re still capable is easier than scrambling during a crisis. Many modifications are inexpensive and improve daily comfort immediately.

What if I rent and can’t make permanent changes?

Many solutions are portable or removable:

Clamp-on grab bars (though not as secure as wall-mounted)
Raised toilet seats
Bed rails
Lever handle adapters
Portable ramps
Removable shelving

How do I find a contractor who understands accessibility?

Look for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders. These contractors have specific training in accessibility modifications. Occupational therapists can also recommend trusted contractors.

Looking for more ways to manage daily life with arthritis? Explore our guides on gardening with joint pain and travel tips for arthritis.

Last medically reviewed: January 2025

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult an occupational therapist or healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your specific condition and living situation.