Building a Better Tomorrow and Planning for 2026

Published in Home Modifications on September 15, 2025

As the fall colors begin to paint the landscape, it’s a time to reflect on what we’ve achieved and the challenges we’ve overcome in 2025. This year has brought transformation to the home accessibility industry while continuing to meet the growing needs of our aging population. However, the journey has not been without hurdles. Economic shifts and tariffs have added new layers of complexity, impacting manufacturing costs and testing our resilience. Yet, through it all, I believe we’ve remained focused on our vision and mission.

As we look ahead to 2026, our commitment remains steadfast: to empower your business with innovative solutions that create safer, more accessible homes and elevate the quality of life for aging adults. Together, we will continue to grow stronger, drive meaningful change, and build a better tomorrow.

Demographics on Aging: Focus Forward

By 2040, older adults are expected to comprise 22% of the population, totaling approximately 78.3 million. Additionally, the life expectancy of people aged 65 is an additional 19 to 21 years, assuming current mortality rates remain stable and fall prevention strategies continue to be effective.

These demographic shifts underscore the growing significance of home accessibility products and services. No longer an afterthought, home access solutions are poised to become integral components of the healthcare continuum, supporting aging in place and enhancing quality of life for older adults.

Senior Housing Market Trends: Where Are We Headed in the World of Technology?

Older adults increasingly choose to age in place, resulting in a tightening housing supply. Occupancy rates in senior living communities have reached their highest levels in years, reflecting renewed interest in supportive environments that balance independence with care. However, new construction remains constrained due to elevated costs, resulting in a supply-demand imbalance. As older adults continue to choose aging in place, this has prompted increased investment not only in home modifications, but also in the demand for assistive technologies.

Innovations in smart home technologies and remote monitoring are enhancing the feasibility of aging in place. The need for assistive devices, such as smart home technologies and "connected home" environments, is expanding rapidly.

In the U.S., the assistive technology market for persons with disabilities and aging adults is projected to reach $46 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% from 2025. The Smart Home Healthcare market, a key segment of this technology, is predicted to reach over $284 billion by 2034. The convergence of assistive technology and smart home healthcare presents a transformative opportunity.

Embracing Change: Strategic Perspective

Despite rapid growth in assistive and smart home technologies, significant gaps remain in how these solutions are delivered and supported. Across the U.S., there is a notable shortage of companies that sell, install, and provide ongoing technical support for these devices. Traditionally, the home access industry has focused on physical modifications and products such as ramps, stair lifts, and grab bars, which continue to play a vital role in accessibility. However, the next evolution of opportunity lies in embracing smart technologies that promote independence, safety, and improved quality of life for aging adults and individuals with disabilities.

VGM Live at Home members are uniquely positioned to expand into the smart home healthcare space by leveraging their expertise in home accessibility.

What steps can you take as a strategic framework to add smart home products and services to your business?

Integrate Smart Home Assessments: Offer comprehensive evaluations that include both traditional home access needs and smart technology opportunities.
Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with smart tech manufacturers to co-develop or bundle products tailored for accessibility. Partner with healthcare providers, occupational therapists, and aging-in-place specialists to create holistic care environments.
Invest in Workforce Development: Establish a specialized team of certified smart home technology installers. Provide ongoing training in smart home integration, cybersecurity, and user-centered design.
Develop Bundled Solutions: Create tiered packages that combine home access products with smart devices and include subscription-based services for tech support, maintenance, and upgrades.
Deliver Ongoing Support: Provide white-glove installation and personalized onboarding for users and caregivers. Offer remote monitoring and troubleshooting services to ensure long-term satisfaction and safety.

Building Opportunities Summit

At this year’s event, VGM members will hear about the benefits of building connected environments using smart technologies, home assessment platforms that generate outcomes data, and how to leverage technology to stay ahead in a competitive aging-in-place market.

To learn more about this year’s event agenda, please check out the BOS site and register today!

I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio!

Warm regards,

Cindi Petito

Director, VGM Live at Home