You want your loved one safe, comfortable, and happy at home as they age. But where do you start? Aging in place sounds ideal—until you're the one planning it. We’ve built this Aging in Place Checklist to guide you, step by step. You’ll learn what to look for, what to fix, and how to get help. Let’s make home the safest place to grow older.
Key Takeaways:
- Start by assessing safety risks in high-use areas like bathrooms, stairs, and kitchens.
- Use the free AARP HomeFit Guide and local services for safety checklists and advice.
- Helpful upgrades include grab bars, non-slip floors, lever handles, and better lighting.
- Widen doorways and clear 36" paths for walkers or wheelchairs.
- Budget-friendly changes: install threshold ramps, swap knobs for levers, and raise toilet seats.
- Prevent falls by removing cords, rugs, and clutter; improve lighting.
- Smart tools: voice assistants, smart thermostats, medical alerts, and motion sensors.
- Emergency prep: have an escape plan, medical alert system, and a packed go-bag.
- Funding options: Medicaid HCBS, VA grants, HUD loans, and some insurance plans.
- Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) can help design safer home updates.
The Complete Aging in Place Checklist for Safe, Independent Living
As people grow older, maintaining a sense of independence becomes increasingly important. Indeed, aging in place—staying in your home safely and comfortably—is a goal shared by many older adults. However, to make that possible, it's essential to have a clear, thoughtful plan in place. That’s precisely where an aging in place checklist becomes a powerful tool.
With the right adjustments, support, and resources, you or your loved one can continue to live well at home. This guide, therefore, walks you through essential areas, room-by-room modifications, safety upgrades, support services, and helpful tools to help you age in place with confidence.
Start With a Home Evaluation Using an Aging in Place Checklist
To begin, it’s crucial to assess your home’s current condition from a safety perspective. First, walk through each room and ask: Can I move easily here if I used a walker or wheelchair? Focus on entryways, bathrooms, stairs, and lighting, since these areas often present the highest risk.
Use a printed checklist like the AARP HomeFit Guide, which offers free, comprehensive planning tools for aging in place. Writing down what needs attention helps track progress and makes future steps much easier, and many people keep their checklist in a visible spot like the fridge or hallway for easy updates.
Use Room-by-Room Modifications to Prevent Falls and Promote Comfort
Each room in your home should support mobility, safety, and accessibility. Let’s explore what to include in your aging in place checklist for each space.
Bathroom Safety Upgrades
Bathrooms are the most common site for falls. Therefore, start by installing grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower. Use non-slip strips or mats and consider a walk-in shower or tub. Raised toilet seats and hand-held showerheads also make daily routines safer and easier.
Kitchen Adjustments for Easy Access
In the kitchen, it's crucial to aim for reachability and organization. Store frequently used items on lower shelves or in pull-out drawers. Choose appliances with large, easy-to-read controls to enhance usability. Ensure there is bright lighting over work areas since it improves visibility. Reducing the need to bend or stretch significantly lowers the risk of injury.
Bedroom and Living Room Setup
Bedrooms should ideally have firm, easy-to-get-up-from beds with clear paths around them, and night lights along the hallway and beside the bed can help prevent nighttime falls. In the living room, it's important to remove clutter and either secure or eliminate area rugs. You may also consider replacing furniture like chairs with sturdier options that assist with sitting and standing.
For more ideas, check out this room-by-room senior safety guide.
Make Accessibility a Priority Throughout the Home
Improving accessibility is essential for any aging in place checklist. Hallways and doorways should be wide enough to accommodate mobility aids—at least 32 inches for doorways and 36 inches for hallways. Swing-clear hinges or doorway widening may be needed in tighter spaces. Replace round knobs with lever-style handles for easier use by those with arthritis. Transition strips or low-profile ramps between rooms reduce trip hazards and support safe use of wheelchairs or walkers.
Retrofit Stairways and Floors for Long-Term Use
Stairs are often a barrier to aging in place. While not every home can accommodate a stair lift, adding strong, full-length handrails on both sides can make a huge difference. You can also use contrast tape on stair edges and install carpet strips for added grip.
When it comes to flooring, avoid glossy finishes or loose rugs. Instead, choose surfaces like cork, rubber, or textured vinyl for better traction. Tape down or remove rugs, especially near entrances and in high-traffic areas.
These changes reduce fall risk dramatically while improving confidence in everyday movement.
Focus on Fall Prevention with Simple Yet Effective Strategies
Fall prevention is one of the most important goals of aging in place. Therefore, your aging in place checklist should target common hazards and include actionable solutions.
Improve Lighting
To enhance safety, start by adding bright bulbs, motion-sensor night lights, and rocker switches that are easier to operate. Furthermore, placing lights near stairways, doorways, and high-use areas like the bathroom and kitchen ensures both comfort and accident prevention.
Eliminate Clutter and Small Hazards
Begin by removing unnecessary furniture, cords, and clutter. Additionally, ensure that all walkways are clear and unobstructed. Remember to keep pet bowls, bags, and laundry baskets away from paths. Indeed, these small details make a significant difference in everyday safety.
Adapt Entryways and Outdoor Spaces for Safe Access
Outside the home, safety matters just as much. Begin by ensuring at least one entrance is step-free or install a ramp with handrails. Motion-sensor lighting at the doorway, garage, and along pathways improves visibility after dark, while walkways should remain level and free of debris to reduce fall risks.
A covered entry offers shelter from the weather, and a bench near the door provides a convenient spot for putting on or taking off shoes. Features like raised garden beds, sturdy outdoor chairs with armrests, and neatly trimmed hedges all help create a safer, more comfortable outdoor environment for aging in place.
Use Smart Technology and Assistive Devices to Support Independence
Technology can greatly enhance safety and convenience for older adults. Therefore, add these items to your aging in place checklist:
- Voice-activated systems like Alexa or Google Home for hands-free control, ensuring ease of use.
- Smart thermostats for maintaining comfortable temperatures, thereby enhancing comfort.
- Video doorbells to see and speak to visitors, improving both security and communication.
- Motion-sensor lights illuminate dark areas, thus preventing accidents.
- Medical alert systems that call for help in emergencies and provide crucial peace of mind.
Non-intrusive monitoring tools like motion or door sensors can alert caregivers if something seems off—all while maintaining privacy.
Explore Available Support Services and Financial Assistance
Support services are essential for successful aging in place. Many communities offer:
- Meal delivery programs like Meals on Wheels
- Home care assistance for bathing, dressing, or light housekeeping
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Wellness programs through local senior centers
To learn about these, talk to your doctor, call your local Area Agency on Aging, or check out the Eldercare Locator.
Financial Support Options
Paying for modifications may seem challenging, but several programs can help:
- Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
- Veterans Affairs (VA) housing grants
- HUD assistance for low-income seniors
- Medicare Advantage plans with home safety benefits
You can also find help through nonprofits, local churches, or volunteer groups that offer small home repairs or ramp installations.
Prepare for Emergencies While Aging at Home
Emergency preparedness is vital. Your aging in place checklist should include:
- A written evacuation plan
- Posted emergency contacts
- Working smoke and CO detectors
- Backup power for medical devices
- A go-bag with medication, water, flashlights, and documents
Devices like smart speakers and wearable alert systems can help you call for help quickly in a crisis. Always have a charged phone or alert device nearby.
Avoid Common Aging in Place Mistakes
Many people overlook simple hazards like loose rugs, poor lighting, or narrow hallways. Instead of tackling everything at once, take a step-by-step approach.
Start with one room, like the bathroom, and make small changes. Over time, these updates add up. Don’t forget to involve loved ones in the process—they can help identify risks and assist with planning.
If your house is too costly to update or no longer suits your needs, consider downsizing to a home designed for aging in place.
Empower Family Members to Support the Aging in Place Plan
Families play a key role in making aging in place a success. Caregivers can use the aging in place checklist to guide conversations and spot risks early.
Talk about changes before they become urgent. Use kind, respectful language, and let your loved one lead the way when possible. Focus on comfort, independence, and safety.
Tailor each modification to the individual’s needs—whether that means voice-activated lights, grab bars, or wider doorways.
Get Personalized Aging in Place Support Today
Let CareLink Help You Stay Safe and Independent
Planning to age in place can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. At CareLink, we offer compassionate, expert guidance to help you or your loved one live comfortably at home. From home care to caregiver support, we provide the resources you need.
Contact us today to get started.
Aging in place is possible with thoughtful planning, strong support, and the right tools. Use this guide and your personalized aging in place checklist to make steady progress—one room, one improvement, and one goal at a time. With each step, you’re building a safer, more comfortable future at home.
