Assistive Technology for Aging in Place

Introduction

Aging in place means continuing to live in one's own home and community safely, comfortably, and independently, rather than moving to a different level of care. For many older adults, the home and neighborhood they already know are where they most want to remain as they get older.

Assistive technology can play a meaningful role in supporting aging in place. Changes in vision, hearing, mobility, dexterity, cognition, communication, or stamina are common as people age, and any of these changes can create barriers to everyday activities. Assistive technology does not mean that someone has a disability simply because they are older; rather, it refers to tools, equipment, and systems that can be matched to a specific person's abilities, needs, environment, activities, and preferences when a functional barrier exists.

Assistive technology for aging in place ranges from simple, low-tech tools, such as a large-print calendar or a jar opener, to sophisticated electronic systems, such as voice-controlled environmental controls or speech-generating communication devices. There is no single "best" technology; the right choice depends on the person, the task, the environment, and the level of support available for setup, training, and maintenance.

Mobility and Physical Access

Mobility-related assistive technology can support safer movement within the home and reduce unnecessary physical strain. Examples include mobility supports such as canes, walkers, and wheeled mobility devices; transfer-related technology that can assist with moving between a bed, chair, or bathing area; and modifications to how commonly used areas of the home are reached, such as reorganizing frequently used items to reduce reaching, bending, or carrying.

Technology can also reduce unnecessary physical demands in daily routines, for example through devices that reduce the need to carry items across a room or that support a more efficient path between frequently used areas. This page does not provide medical recommendations; a physical or occupational therapist can help identify mobility technology appropriate to a specific individual's needs. See Related Products & Resources for examples of tools that support this, such as reachers/grabbers and walker accessories.

Environmental Control and Smart Home Technology

Environmental control technology allows a person to operate lights, temperature, doors, locks, and other features of the home without needing to physically reach a switch or dial. Depending on a person's needs and preferences, this can include voice control systems, switch access for individuals who cannot use a standard remote or touchscreen, smart lighting, smart thermostats, automated doors and locks where appropriate, smart plugs that let ordinary appliances be turned on and off remotely, and accessible interfaces designed for low vision, limited dexterity, or cognitive support.

These systems can reduce the physical effort involved in daily environmental tasks and can support independence for people with a range of physical or sensory needs. For a fuller look at this category, see Environmental Control and Smart Home Accessibility.

Vision and Reading Access

Age-related vision changes are common, and a range of assistive technology can support continued access to reading and visual information. This includes magnification tools, text-to-speech software that reads text aloud, screen readers for computer and mobile use, large-display options, accessible digital reading formats, and attention to lighting and contrast, which can make a significant difference for many people with low vision. Accessible labels and interfaces, such as high-contrast or tactile markings on frequently used controls, can also help.

For more detail, see Vision & Low Vision, Screen Readers, Screen Magnification and Visual Access, and Reading Assistive Technology.

Hearing and Communication Access

Hearing-related assistive technology can include amplification devices, captioning for television and video calls, visual or vibration alerts in place of or alongside audible alarms, and accessible telephone options such as amplified or captioned phones. Communication supports can range from simple picture or word boards to speech-generating devices and other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology for individuals who have significant communication needs. AAC is not something every older adult needs; it is one option among many for the smaller number of people whose communication needs call for it.

Learn more at Hearing Access Technology and Communication & AAC. See Related Products & Resources for examples of hearing-related products.

Phones, Tablets and Digital Accessibility

Contemporary smartphones and tablets come with a wide range of built-in accessibility features that can support aging in place without requiring specialized hardware. These typically include adjustable text size, screen magnification, voice control, speech-to-text input, text-to-speech output, hearing-related accessibility settings, and, on many devices, simplified home-screen or interface options. Reminder apps and built-in communication tools, such as video calling, can also support independence and connection with family and caregivers.

See Mobile Device Accessibility and Digital Accessibility for more information.

Memory, Organization and Cognitive Supports

Technology can help support daily organization and routines for people who find it helpful, whether or not they have a diagnosed cognitive condition. Examples include reminder systems for schedules and appointments, medication-routine reminders, tools that support task sequencing for multi-step activities, systems that help locate frequently misplaced items such as keys or glasses, digital or accessible calendars, and prompting tools that support familiar daily routines.

This page does not diagnose cognitive impairment; these categories of technology can be useful to a wide range of people regardless of cognitive status.

Medication and Health-Routine Supports

Categories of technology in this area include medication reminders and timers, accessible medication organizers designed for low vision or limited dexterity, automated medication-dispensing technologies, and tools that support access to telehealth appointments. This page does not provide medication-management or medical advice. Technology in this category is intended to supplement, not replace, guidance from a pharmacist, physician, or other qualified professional, and support from a caregiver when needed. See Related Products & Resources for examples of medication reminder and dispensing tools.

Emergency Communication and Safety Technology

Emergency and safety technology can include personal emergency response (medical alert) systems, wearable alert devices, accessible alarms designed for a range of sensory needs, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with accessible alert features such as strobe lights or bed shakers, fall-detection technology in general terms, and location-sharing tools that a person voluntarily chooses to use so that a trusted contact can find them in an emergency.

Any technology that shares a person's location or health information also raises privacy and autonomy considerations, and the choice to use such technology should generally rest with the individual whenever possible. No safety technology can guarantee that a fall, medical event, or emergency will be prevented or detected; these tools are intended to support, not replace, sound judgment and appropriate care planning.

Kitchen and Daily Living Technology

Adaptive tools and technology can support food preparation and other daily living tasks for people with limited reach, grip, or strength, or with low vision. Categories include adapted utensils and grips that reduce the need for fine motor control, tools that make it easier to read appliance controls and dials, accessible timers, and devices that make common appliances easier to operate independently. This section is intended to describe categories of technology in general educational terms rather than to recommend specific products.

Bathroom Access and Daily Care

The bathroom is an area where both technology and structural home modification often work together. Categories of adaptive equipment and technology in this space include tools that support safer transfers, accessible controls, and devices that support independence with daily hygiene routines. It is worth distinguishing between assistive technology and equipment, discussed here, and structural home modifications, such as changes to a doorway, shower, or floor layout, which are addressed on the site's Housing & Home Accessibility page.

Bedroom and Home Routines

Technology can support a person's nighttime and daily bedroom routines through accessible lighting controls, environmental control systems that can be operated from bed, communication tools within reach, and accessible device access for phones, tablets, or call systems. This page does not make claims about treating sleep disorders or other medical conditions; it focuses on access and independence within ordinary daily routines.

Transportation and Community Mobility

Aging in place is not only about remaining safely inside the home; it also includes continued access to the surrounding community. Technology can support trip planning and navigation, access to information about accessible public or community transportation options, communication while away from home, and general mobile accessibility features that support participation in community activities, appointments, and social connection.

See Transportation & Community Mobility for more on this topic.

Choosing Assistive Technology

Choosing the right assistive technology is an important step, and the most expensive or most sophisticated device is not automatically the best solution for a given person. A thoughtful selection process generally considers the person, the specific task they want to accomplish, the environment where the technology will be used, and the tools or technology options available, along with the person's own preferences.

Other important considerations include physical access needs, sensory access needs, cognitive demands the technology may place on the user, what setup and ongoing support will be required, whether training is available, what ongoing maintenance the technology needs, and cost or funding options. A structured evaluation process can help match technology to a person's specific needs; see AT Assessment & Selection for more on this process.

Paying for Assistive Technology

Funding for assistive technology varies substantially depending on the type of technology, its purpose, and the individual's specific situation. Potential funding pathways can include private health insurance, public programs such as Medicaid or Medicare depending on the equipment and medical necessity criteria involved, veterans' benefits for eligible veterans, state Assistive Technology Act programs and other state or community resources, private purchase, and nonprofit or community assistance programs. Coverage is never guaranteed and depends on the specific program, equipment, and individual circumstances.

See Funding Assistive Technology and Assistive Technology Funding Systems for a fuller explanation of these pathways.

Home Accessibility and Aging in Place

Assistive technology and physical home accessibility are related but distinct. Technology can reduce many everyday barriers, but it does not eliminate the need for appropriate structural accessibility where a genuine structural barrier exists, such as a step at an entryway or a doorway too narrow for a mobility device. For information on housing accessibility, modifications, and related access considerations, see Housing & Home Accessibility.

When Professional Assistance May Help

Not every older adult needs a formal evaluation to benefit from assistive technology; many low-tech tools and accessible features can simply be adopted directly. However, when needs are more complex, or when it is unclear which technology would genuinely help, consultation with a qualified professional, such as an occupational or physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, or assistive technology professional, can help match a person's specific needs to appropriate technology. This section is provided as general educational information and is not intended as a service advertisement.

Continue Exploring Assistive Technology

To continue exploring related topics on this site, see the site's Resources page for a broader collection of guides and organizations, AT Assessment & Selection for information about the evaluation process, and Digital Accessibility for a broader look at accessible technology.

Authoritative Resources

Administration for Community Living (ACL), Assistive Technology Program (external) —  overview of the federal Assistive Technology Act state grant and national activities programs

National Institute on Aging (NIA), Aging in Place (external) —  general consumer information on remaining safely at home while aging

Medicare.gov, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage (external) — general information about Medicare coverage criteria for durable medical equipment

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Program (external) — information about VA benefits for home accessibility improvements

ADA.gov, Introduction to the ADA (external) — overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act

U.S. Access Board, ADA Accessibility Standards (external) — federal accessibility scoping and technical requirements

AT3 Center, State Assistive Technology Act Programs (external) — directory of state Assistive Technology Act programs

About This Page

This page is provided by AssistiveTechnology.org as general educational information about categories of assistive technology that may support aging in place. It is not medical advice, a personalized recommendation, or a substitute for evaluation by a qualified professional. AssistiveTechnology.org is developed by Accessibility Clinic Inc., a nonprofit organization; this page does not endorse specific commercial products or vendors.