Creating a Home That Grows With You: An Aging in Place Checklist

Most people want to stay in their own homes as they age, and for good reason. Familiar surroundings, daily routines, and a sense of independence all contribute to quality of life. But as your needs change, so should your home. The good news is that preparing for the future doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means making smart updates now that allow you to live safely and comfortably for years to come.

Why Aging in Place Matters 

The choice to stay in your own home as you age is a profoundly personal and practical decision. Aging in place helps preserve your independence while avoiding the emotional and financial toll of moving into assisted living.

It’s also often the more affordable option. Proactive upgrades like grab bars, better lighting, or wider doorways may seem costly at first, but can prevent urgent, expensive renovations down the road and reduce the risk of injury.

As baby boomers retire, aging in place will become far more common. By 2030, over 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older, sparking greater interest in home modifications and universal design. Preparing now helps ensure your home remains a safe, comfortable, and empowering space for years to come.

The Complete Aging in Place Checklist

You don’t need to remodel your whole house to make it safer and easier to live in during retirement. Small changes in key areas can make a big difference. This checklist breaks it down room by room to help you plan ahead.

1. General/Whole-Home Upgrades

Start with the basics that make moving around easier and safer, no matter where you are in the house. Widen doorways and hallways so there’s enough space for a walker or wheelchair. Anchor your area rugs so they don’t slide, and place stair treads on your steps to prevent slips and falls. 

Simple smart home tech can help, too. Voice-controlled lights, thermostats, and locks reduce the need to bend or reach. Swap standard switches for rocker switches, and lower outlets so they’re easier to access. It’s also worth installing a fall detection system or medical alert—just in case.  

2. Entryways and Exterior Modifications

Getting in and out of your home should be safe and straightforward, especially in bad weather or when using mobility aids. If your entry has steps, consider replacing them with a sloped concrete or wood ramp that has sturdy railings on both sides. For added grip, use non-slip tread strips on the ramp surface.

Replace doorknobs with lever-style handles that are easier to use if you have arthritis or limited hand strength. Outside, install bright LED motion-sensor lights near all entry doors and along paths or driveways. This not only improves visibility at night but can also deter intruders. If your front door doesn’t already have one, add a covered porch or awning to keep rain, ice, or snow from making the entry slippery.

3. Living Room and Common Areas

Clear, wide walkways are key. The wider they are, the more space you’ll have to maneuver with a walker or wheelchair. Avoid using coffee tables or ottomans that block paths, and secure electrical cords along walls to eliminate tripping hazards.

Install dimmer switches for overhead lights and lamps so you can easily adjust brightness throughout the day. If you have low vision or depth perception issues, consider using contrasting colors, like dark floors with light-colored baseboards or furniture, so it’s easier to tell where things begin and end.

Keep everyday items in reach. That means avoiding high bookshelves or deep cabinets. Use lower, open shelving or baskets to make storage accessible without climbing or bending.

4. Kitchen Considerations

The kitchen can be one of the trickiest spaces to navigate, so start with storage. Install pull-out shelves in lower cabinets so you can access items in the back without kneeling or bending. Lazy Susans are great for corner cabinets, and drawer-style dishwashers or side-opening wall ovens make everyday tasks easier.

Choose lever-style or touch-activated faucets, which require less grip strength. Replace small cabinet knobs with large, easy-to-grasp handles. Place slip-resistant mats with beveled edges in front of the sink and stove to prevent slipping while standing for long periods. Keep counters and floors clear of clutter so you can move freely, and make sure lighting is bright and even across all prep areas.

5. Bathroom Modifications

Falls are common in bathrooms. Over 80% of household falls happen in the bathroom. Small changes can lower the risk. Swap out your tub for a low-threshold walk-in shower with a built-in or fold-down seat. Place vertical and horizontal grab bars inside the shower and beside the toilet, and make sure they’re properly anchored into wall studs — not just glued or suctioned on.

Install a handheld shower head with a long hose that can be used while seated. Add an anti-scald device to your faucets or set your water heater to a safe temperature (around 120°F) to avoid burns. A raised toilet seat or a comfort-height toilet can also reduce the strain on your knees and hips when sitting or standing.

6. Bedroom Adjustments

If climbing stairs is becoming more difficult, plan to move your bedroom to the first floor if possible. Choose a bed height that allows your knees to be at a 90-degree angle when sitting, or use risers to adjust as needed. Avoid thick bed skirts or rugs that can get caught underfoot. Also, leave a wide walking path on both sides of the bed to the door. Plug in nightlights with motion sensors along the floor to guide you safely if you get up during the night.

In closets, lower rods and add pull-down systems or tiered shelving so you can reach clothes without stretching. Consider adding lighting inside the closet as well, especially if it’s dim or deep.