Aging in place means making modifications to your home so you can safely and comfortably live there as you age, rather than moving to a care facility. Research shows that 90% of adults over 65 want to remain in their homes.
51 steps across 8 sections
1. Conduct a Home Safety Assessment
- Walk through every room evaluating hazards and accessibility
- Use AARP's HomeFit Guide or hire a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
- Pay special attention to: entryways, bathrooms, kitchen, bedroom, stairways, and outdoor areas
- Identify tripping hazards, poor lighting, difficult-to-reach storage, and mobility barriers
- Consider both current needs and anticipated future needs (5-10 years ahead)
2. Address Fall Prevention (Highest Priority)
- Remove or secure all throw rugs with non-slip backing
- Eliminate cords and clutter from walkways
- Create clear, wide pathways (minimum 36 inches, ideally 42+ inches)
- Install non-slip flooring or non-slip treatments on smooth surfaces
- Ensure all areas are well-lit, especially stairs and hallways
- Add contrast strips on stair edges for visibility
3. Modify Bathrooms
- Install grab bars near toilet, shower, and bathtub (wall-mounted, weight-rated)
- Replace bathtub with a walk-in shower (zero-threshold/curbless is ideal)
- Add a shower bench or built-in seat
- Install a hand-held shower head on an adjustable slide bar
- Raise the toilet height (comfort-height toilet: 17-19 inches)
- Replace knob faucets with lever handles
- Install non-slip mats or textured tile in wet areas
- Add anti-scald valves to prevent burns
4. Improve Accessibility Throughout
- Widen doorways to at least 32 inches (36 inches ideal for wheelchair access)
- Replace round doorknobs with lever handles throughout the home
- Add ramps or zero-step entries at exterior doors
- Install stair lifts or consider a home elevator if multi-story
- Ensure at least one full bathroom is on the main floor
- Lower light switches and raise outlets for easier access
- Create 5-foot turning radius in key rooms for wheelchair maneuverability
5. Modify the Kitchen
- Install pull-out shelves and lazy susans in lower cabinets
- Lower countertop sections or add a rolling cart at accessible height
- Replace knob faucets with lever or touchless models
- Add under-cabinet lighting for better visibility
- Consider a wall oven at accessible height (vs. bending to floor-level oven)
- Install D-pull handles on cabinets for easier grip
- Add anti-tip brackets on the stove
6. Upgrade Lighting and Electrical
- Install motion-sensor lights in hallways, bathrooms, and entryways
- Add nightlights along pathways to bathroom
- Place light switches at room entrances (illuminated or smart switches)
- Ensure outdoor areas are well-lit (walkways, porches, driveways)
- Consider smart home systems for voice-controlled lighting
- Add outlets at accessible heights near beds and chairs
7. Address the Bedroom
- Ensure the bed is at an appropriate height for easy entry/exit (20-23 inches)
- Install a bed rail or grab bar for support
- Place light switches within reach of the bed
- Ensure clear, wide path from bed to bathroom
- Consider a hospital-style adjustable bed for medical needs
- Install adequate closet organization at reachable heights
8. Modify Outdoor Areas
- Ensure walkways are smooth, level, and well-lit
- Install handrails along all outdoor steps and ramps
- Add a covered entry to protect from weather
- Create a no-step entry to the home (ramp or graded walkway)
- Install a peephole at seated height and video doorbell
- Maintain landscaping to keep paths clear
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until after a fall
- Only modifying the bathroom
- Installing grab bars incorrectly
- Ignoring lighting
- Not planning for future needs
Pro Tips
- Start with a professional home assessment — CAPS-certified remodelers provide...
- "Visitability" modifications (one zero-step entry, one main-floor bathroom, 3...
- Smart home technology (voice assistants, automated lighting, video doorbells,...
- Install blocking (reinforcing) behind bathroom walls during any renovation — ...
- Consider a main-floor master suite renovation if bedrooms are only on upper f...