Ideally, place an older adult on the first floor so he doesn't have to climb any stairs. If that's impossible, and he can't handle stairs, you can consider putting in an automatic stair lift. For sources, search online for electric stair lifts.

Similarly, if you have steps leading up to your front door, you may have to put in a ramp ($400 and up, plus installation). For sources, look online using search terms such as adaptive access.

Here are some other things to consider:

• Is there a bathroom available on the floor the older adult is on?
• Is the bathroom big enough to handle a wheelchair or walker if necessary? For a wheelchair, the doorway needs to be at least 32 inches wide, and preferably 36 inches.
• Will one of your children have to give up a bedroom? Could a child share his or her bedroom with the older adult?
• If there's no extra bedroom, can you convert a living room or den into a bedroom? Can you convert an attic or basement into a bedroom for you or a child and have your parent or relative move into an existing bedroom?
• Will everyone have a level of privacy they're comfortable with?
• What renovations will be necessary to make your home older-adult-friendly, and how will you pay for it?

A good source for a variety of suppliers selling a wide range of home modification products is the National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification.