Age and disability seem to be catching up with people sooner rather than later. And many times families have no options except living together in one multigenerational household.

But most conventional houses and apartments are not equipped for people with disabilities or for seniors.

There are some things you can do to make this easier on everyone.

Here are 7 suggestions to apply to your home search or remodeling plan to make this better and easier.

1. One of the best models for expanded households that have older or disabled relatives are 3 family houses. You find them in lots of big cities. They have a floor for each little part of the family. The seniors could be on the ground floor. The next age group could be one floor up and the youngest and most spry could be on the third floor. Each group could have its own bath and kitchen or share.
2. But this model also works in the context of health issues younger people experience like injuries, accidents, or illness.
3. How many pregnant women have been told they can't go up steps because of complications of pregnancy? It's also helpful for these hardworking new moms if they live in a place that is easier to navigate during recovery.
4. If you have to make repairs to your kitchens and baths consider accessibility. Put in things like wide doors, grab bars, and roll in showers. If you have to spend the money anyway, spend it on stuff that is going to really work for you over the long term.
5. A home with just 1 or 2 steps into some handicapped accessible living space can work for all the phases of our lives. A ramp is much easier and cheaper to construct if necessary if it only has to go up a few steps.
6. Many daylight basements or basements with separate entries are not being used. With a driveway, kitchen, barrier free bath and accessible entry they could be a secure, storm sheltered space that works for the whole family. You might like it so well you could skip the expense for the rest of the house.
7. Have at least one drive up, barrier free entry if you can. You can have an entry with no steps if you plan well and have a good builder.

Don't wait until after you break a leg to think about accessibility. Anyone of any age may need a home that is accessible and comfortable for someone who is not in perfect health.

If your builder or contractor is not thinking of these problems, get someone else.