Aging at Home Checklist
Your guide to safe and sustainable aging at home.
Entrances & Exits
Low thresholds reduce risk of tripping
Wide doorways (32 inches or more)
Sturdy surface for keys and other objects to be set down. A bench or table works well.
Lever door handles are most accessible
Adequate lighting, including motion-activated at night
Remove any clutter
Visible address for deliveries and first responders
A peephole, or two with one at wheelchair height
Home Exteriors
No step entrance
Covered entrance or overhang
Sturdy rails
Adequate lighting – especially at night
Consider motion-activated lighting (provides safety AND security
Kitchen
No-slip surface by sink
A lever-style, light-touch or sensor faucet is easiest to use and more sanitary than other options
Clearly marked knobs and handles
Adequate lighting
Pullout trash and recycling bins under the sink keep trash and recyclables out of the way and out of sight
Frequently used items should be accessible without excessive stooping or straining
Open shelving reduces the possibility of
walking into an open door and makes frequently used items accessible
Dining and Living Room
Opt for seating that’s sturdy and safe for all possible users – chair backs are a must and chairs with arms can make standing up and sitting down easier
Furniture at risk for tipping, like bookcases and tall coffee tables, should be connected to the wall with furniture straps or brackets
Tuck away electrical and other cords so they are not exposed
Secure rugs with anti-slip mats
Bedrooms
Sturdy bench or surface to help when dressing
Clear pathways especially to bathrooms
Rugs secured with double sided tape and/or non-slip mat
Phone is accessible by the bedside
Keep a flashlight next to the bed in case of power outage
Windows have screens to allow fresh air in without bugs
Light switches by both the door and bed are best, and a motion-sensing nightlight helps prevent falls in the dark
Bed should be centered in the room, not against a wall, so making the bed is easier
Bathrooms
Grab bar under shower head and on tiled wall
Grip tape on often wet surfaces
Hand-held shower head option
Sturdy fold-down seating
Toilet at proper height (17 to 19 inches from floor to seat)
Windows have screens to allow fresh air in without bugs
Light switches by both the door and bed are best, and a motion-sensing nightlight helps prevent falls in the dark
Lever-style sink, shower and tub faucets