Opening Doors: What to Keep in Mind When Searching for an Accessible Home for a Terminally Ill Loved One

Posted on June 2, 2025

If you’re reading this, it probably means your life is in a bit of a whirlwind. You’re trying to hold it together while a family member—someone you love more than air—is living with a terminal illness. Every day comes with a new set of emotional landmines, and now on top of everything else, you’re house-hunting. Not for dream kitchens or walk-in closets, but for ramps, grab bars, and wide hallways. This isn’t the kind of move anyone plans for, but here you are. And if you’re going to do it, it helps to do it thoughtfully. With a little guidance, you can make sure the place you land is more than just accessible—it can be a space of grace and ease in an otherwise chaotic chapter. 

Prioritize Single-Story Layouts Early
Before you even hit the first open house, zero in on single-story homes. Multi-level living might not sound like a big deal if you’re healthy, but for someone dealing with physical decline—whether from ALS, cancer, or another terminal condition—stairs become an obstacle, not a feature. Homes with everything on one level simplify movement and daily routines. You’ll cut out the logistical gymnastics of installing chair lifts or setting up makeshift bedrooms in the dining room. And from a caregiving standpoint, having everything within reach—bathroom, kitchen, bedroom—can ease the strain on everyone involved.

Rethink the Bathroom as a Battleground
No one talks about it, but bathrooms are one of the hardest places to navigate during illness. When you're house hunting, walk into every bathroom and ask: Can a wheelchair get through the door? Is there room for a shower chair or a caregiver to assist? Consider curbless showers, wide door frames, and, yes, the not-so-glamorous but deeply necessary grab bars. And don't just look for what's already there —ask what can be added. You’re not just buying a home. You’re buying the possibility of comfort during decline, and the bathroom is ground zero for dignity and independence.

Keep Doorways and Hallways on Your Radar
While you’re caught up looking at countertops and natural light, don’t forget the basics: width. A hallway that feels “cozy” might be a dealbreaker for a wheelchair or walker. Most standard doors are 28 to 30 inches wide, but you’ll need at least 32 inches clear space for a wheelchair—and preferably 36. Measure. Bring a tape. Don’t assume. A few inches can mean the difference between independence and constant assistance. It’s one of those practical details that future-you will be so thankful you obsessed over.

Consider Protection Beyond the Purchase
When you’re preparing a home for someone living with a terminal illness, the last thing you want is a broken furnace or busted fridge throwing chaos into the mix. Investing in a home warranty can offer peace of mind by covering the unexpected repairs to appliances and major systems that you simply don’t have time or energy to deal with right now. Look for coverage that includes removal of defective equipment and protects against failures caused by poor installations or past repair jobs that didn’t stick. If you’re wondering where to explore your options, this is a practical place to start.

Look for the Quietest Corner of the House
When someone is approaching the end of life, rest becomes sacred. And while a house might look charming with its open-concept living area and echo-y hardwood floors, that’s not always the most healing environment. Sound carries. Consider where the person’s bedroom will be. Is it near the kitchen or front door, where noise is constant? Can it be set up in a quiet, low-traffic part of the home? Think of it as curating peace. You want them to have a space where they can exhale, undisturbed.

Scout Out Nearby Services and Support
You’re not just buying a house—you’re moving into a network. Take a close look at the neighborhood and surrounding services. Is there a hospital or hospice nearby? Are there home health agencies that serve the area? Are you within reach of a community that understands end-of-life care? Practical access to doctors, nurses, and even meal delivery can make all the difference. And if your loved one eventually transitions to hospice, that proximity can mean more time at home and fewer frantic car rides.

Use Resources Designed for This Moment
As you navigate this heartbreaking but deeply human chapter, don’t do it alone. There are a variety of genuinely helpful resources, like End With Care, that helps families understand the practical, legal, and emotional dimensions of end-of-life planning. It’s full of directories, checklists, and guidance for decisions you don’t want to make—but might need to. Use it. Bookmark it. Let it be your co-pilot as you juggle housing searches, medical appointments, and late-night tears.

Think About What Comes After
This one’s hard, but it’s real. As much as this house is for them, it’s also for you—and for what happens next. You’re going to live in this place after they’re gone, maybe even raise your kids or grow old there yourself. So while you’re customizing for their needs, don’t forget your own. Make sure the home still feels like a place where you can breathe later. That might mean avoiding homes that feel like “just a hospital” or choosing one where sunlight floods the rooms. Think long-term, even as you manage the short-term crisis.

You’re not just buying a house; you’re shaping a chapter. One where pain and love exist in equal measure. The right home won’t erase the hard parts, but it can make them gentler—giving your family room to grieve, laugh, care, and maybe even find grace in the small moments. This isn’t the kind of house hunt you planned for. But done right, it can lead you to a place where everyone feels held. Even at the end.

More information
Explore End With Care to access essential resources and support for navigating end-of-life challenges with dignity and compassion.

By Hal Salazar - Hal created Elders.Today to lend a helping hand to seniors via carefully curated resources. Hal is newly retired, and as he embarked on planning and preparing for his golden years, he realized there was a lot of information to keep up with so he started gathering it all on his website to help out his fellow seniors.