This post is sponsored by Next Day Access Central Maryland.
Lately I’ve found myself thinking more about what it really means to stay safe and independent in the homes we love, especially as more families begin exploring home accessibility upgrades that make daily life easier.
It’s also something I talk about often with my twin sister, Terri. She runs a geriatric care management business here in Frederick County and regularly does home safety assessments for older adults.
Through her work, she sees firsthand how small changes to a home can make a huge difference in someone’s ability to move around safely and maintain their independence.
Terri actually introduced me to the team at Next Day Access Central Maryland, the sponsor of this post.
Owners Mark Gilliece, Jr. and Casey Hanagan specialize in accessibility solutions that help people safely navigate their homes when mobility becomes more challenging.
I actually got to see their work up close recently when I covered a fascinating accessibility project in Downtown Frederick, where they installed a customized stair lift inside a historic building.
Many homes in our area were built decades ago and include things like split levels, garage steps, and narrow staircases that can become harder to navigate over time.
The encouraging news is that today’s accessibility solutions can often be added thoughtfully without dramatically changing the look or character of a home.
From stair lifts to vertical platform lifts, here are 5 accessibility upgrades Frederick County homeowners are installing right now to make their homes safer, easier to navigate, and more comfortable for the long term.
Many of these accessibility solutions are recommended for homeowners planning to age in place, recover from surgery, or help a family member safely navigate stairs.
1. Stair Lifts for Existing Staircases
One of the most common accessibility solutions is a stair lift installation.
Stair lifts are ideal for homeowners who:
- Have difficulty climbing stairs
- Are recovering from surgery or injury
- Want to remain in their home long-term
- Need a temporary mobility solution
Many families are surprised to learn that stair lift rentals are available. A short-term rental can help homeowners safely navigate stairs while recovering from surgery or waiting for a permanent accessibility solution to be installed.
Stair lifts are often the quickest way to restore mobility inside a home.
2. Vertical Platform Lifts for Multi-Level Access
While stair lifts work well for many homes, there are situations where a different accessibility solution is needed. This is especially true when a homeowner uses a wheelchair or when stairs are located in areas like garages or outdoor entrances.
In those cases, a Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) can provide a safe and reliable alternative. A vertical platform lift functions similarly to a small residential elevator and allows someone to travel between levels while standing or in a wheelchair.
A Recent Accessibility Project in Urbana, Maryland
One recent project in Urbana, Maryland involved a homeowner who was having difficulty safely navigating the steps in their garage.
Like many situations my sister encounters during home safety assessments, a simple set of steps had quietly become a daily challenge.
To provide an immediate solution, the team at Next Day Access Central Maryland installed a temporary stair lift rental so the homeowner could safely move between levels while waiting for their permanent accessibility equipment to arrive.
Once the equipment was delivered, the team completed the full installation by:
- Removing the existing steps
- Installing ADA-compliant aluminum steps
- Constructing a fascia enclosure
- Installing a Vertical Platform Lift (VPL)
This permanent accessibility upgrade now allows the homeowner to safely and independently move between levels of their home.
And that’s really the goal of these solutions — helping people continue living comfortably in the homes they love.
3. ADA-Compliant Steps for Safer Entry
Another upgrade many Frederick County homeowners are installing is ADA-compliant steps.
In the Urbana project above, ADA steps were installed alongside the vertical platform lift.
Traditional residential steps often have steep rises and narrow treads that can become unsafe for people with mobility challenges.
ADA-compliant steps improve safety by offering:
- Proper step height and depth
- Non-slip surfaces
- Strong aluminum construction
- Long-term durability
This provides a major benefit: Household members without mobility challenges can continue using the stairs, while the lift provides safe access for those who need it.
It’s a thoughtful design that works for everyone in the home.
4. Wheelchair Ramps for Home Entrances
Wheelchair ramps are another accessibility upgrade that many homeowners consider when planning for long-term mobility needs. Ramps provide a gradual incline that allows someone to safely access an entrance without navigating stairs.
They can be installed at front entrances, side entrances, decks, or garage access points depending on the layout of the home.
In some situations, homeowners choose temporary ramps when recovering from surgery or injury. In other cases, permanent ramps are installed as part of a long-term plan to age in place comfortably.
When properly designed, ramps can blend seamlessly with a home’s exterior while dramatically improving safety and accessibility.
5. Grab Bars and Bathroom Safety Upgrades
Bathrooms are one of the most common places where falls occur in the home, which is why many homeowners begin their accessibility improvements there.
Simple upgrades like grab bars and safety rails can make a big difference in preventing slips and providing extra stability.
Some common bathroom safety upgrades include:
- Grab bars near toilets and showers
- Walk-in showers or tubs
- Non-slip flooring
- Handheld shower heads
These types of improvements are often recommended during home safety assessments so homeowners have the ability to age in place safely.
Since bathrooms tend to be one of the highest-risk areas for falls, my sister always looks at this area during her home safety assessments.
Even small adjustments can help make daily routines more comfortable and reduce the risk of injury.
Why More Frederick County Homeowners Are Installing Accessibility Upgrades
Many homes in Frederick County, including those in Frederick, Urbana, Middletown, New Market, and Walkersville, were built decades ago when accessibility wasn’t considered during construction.
Frederick County has a wide range of home styles, from historic houses to split-level homes and multi-story townhomes.
As homeowners begin planning for the future, accessibility upgrades can provide peace of mind and allow families to remain in their homes longer.
These improvements often make everyday tasks easier while helping prevent injuries or accidents caused by difficult stairways or entrances.
Accessibility upgrades are not about changing the character of a home. When done thoughtfully, they simply make the space safer and more functional for everyone who lives there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Accessibility
Yes. Many homeowners choose temporary stair lift rentals or ramps when recovering from surgery or injury.
A Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) is a lift that moves vertically between levels and can accommodate wheelchairs or standing users.
No. Accessibility solutions are often used for injury recovery, temporary mobility issues, or long-term aging-in-place planning.
Yes. Many accessibility upgrades are specifically designed to work in older homes with narrow stairs or unique layouts.
Costs vary depending on the staircase layout and equipment needed, but a local accessibility specialist like Next Day Access Central Maryland can provide an in-home assessment to determine the best option.
Some solutions like stair lift rentals can be installed quickly, sometimes even within a day, while custom accessibility solutions such as vertical platform lifts may require additional planning and installation time.
Accessibility Solutions for Frederick County Homeowners
One thing I’ve learned through conversations with Terri and the experts we’ve interviewed on our podcast is that accessibility upgrades aren’t really about equipment — they’re about independence.
Next Day Access Central Maryland works with homeowners to design accessibility solutions that meet their specific needs throughout Frederick County and surrounding communities.
To learn more about stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, vertical platform lifts, and home accessibility upgrades in Frederick County, visit: Next Day Access Central Maryland.
