Aging-in-Place Checklist: Home Features That Let You Stay for 20+ Years

As you look at your home—whether it is one with decades of your history or a fresh start—you might be thinking about how it will suit you in your retirement years. Do you want to age in place?

Aging in place is a choice you make to remain in your home and update it to meet your changing needs. Most homes aren’t built to meet the evolving needs of active adults, but you can make modifications, small or big, that make a difference. While that might mean your home looks different in some ways, aging in place is about taking control of your space.

For some people, aging in place is a long-term plan for their retirement years. For others, it is just one part of their journey before settling down in a purpose-built community. Whatever aging in place looks like for you, you’ll need to make sure your home is ready to support you.

What Does “Aging in Place” Actually Mean?

Most older adults want to live in their own homes as they grow older, according to the Pew Research Center. Aging in place is a strategy to ensure you can live as comfortably, independently, and safely as possible in your home.

Most homes are not designed with aging in place in mind, but they often can be adapted to support homeowners through their golden years. Aging in place is best achieved through proactive planning that anticipates the accessibility and safety modifications your home will need as you age. With the right forethought, your home can be the kind of environment you can enjoy for years to come.

How to Use This Checklist

This aging-in-place checklist is meant to be a useful guide for getting started with long-term planning. You don’t need to tackle every single item on this list immediately. Instead, take a practical approach. Look at the rooms you use most often in your home, like your bathroom and bedroom. Start there and make small, manageable changes.

Next, consider the bigger changes described on this list. Build a longer-term plan for those modifications that takes your budget into account. Perhaps you will focus on one big project per season.

As you scan this checklist, ask yourself important questions, like:

• What rooms do I use most often in my home?
• What kind of DIY changes can I make?
• When do I need to hire a professional to make the necessary modifications?
• Does my home need regular repairs in addition to aging-in-place modifications?
• What is my budget for aging-in-place modifications?
• What is my timeline for completing these modifications?
• Is it realistic to make all of the changes necessary to age in place in my current home?
• Does moving to a home that is designed for aging in place make more sense?

This checklist can give you a good idea of the kind of work that your home needs. As you start navigating this process, you can get outside help. You might find that working with a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) is the right choice for big projects. A CAPS professional is someone who has gone through a credentialed program. They’re trained to assess homes and guide the necessary updates for aging in place.

This checklist is a useful tool for your own home and a good reference if you decide to shop for a new one. When touring prospective homes, use this list to gauge how much work is needed to get a house or condo ready for aging in place.

A Room-by-Room Checklist

If you want to age in place, you need to look at each room in your house and determine what changes are needed.

We have arranged the list by room and area of the home, beginning with simpler projects and ending with more complex modifications that may require assistance. You get to decide what you can DIY and what requires a professional, depending on your level of handiness and your budget.

The budget for these changes will vary widely depending on the individual home, your aging-in-place needs, your handiness, and your personal preferences.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are a natural starting place for aging-in-place updates. You use this room in your home every day. Accessibility and safety are paramount.

• Non-slip flooring and bath mat alternatives (Easy DIY)
• Handheld showerhead (Easy DIY)
• Adequate lighting, especially near the mirror and floor level (Easy DIY)
• Shower seat or bench (Easy DIY)
• Lever-style faucet handles (Potential DIY or call a plumber)
• Grab bars near the toilet and in the shower/tub (Hire a pro)
• Comfort-height toilet or toilet riser (Hire a pro)
• Walk-in shower or zero-threshold entry (Hire a pro)

Bedroom

Some relatively small changes can ensure you prioritize comfort and security in your bedroom as you age in place.

• Clutter-free pathways to the bathroom (Easy DIY)
• Nightlight or motion-activated floor lighting for nighttime navigation (Easy DIY)
• Accessible bed height, not too high or too low (Potential DIY or hire someone to assemble a new frame)
• Light switches accessible from the bed (DIY with lamps or hire an electrician)
• Consider moving the primary bedroom to the main floor if stairs are a concern (Hire movers)

Kitchen

How much you want to cook is up to you, but you want your kitchen to be safe and accessible. This might mean bigger changes, such as new appliances, or small modifications, like the right floor mats.

• Anti-fatigue mat at the sink and prep areas (Easy DIY)
• Repositioned appliances for easier access, such as a microwave not above the stove (Easy DIY)
• Lever-style faucet handles (Potential DIY or hire a pro)
• Pull-out shelves or drawers for lower cabinets (Hire a pro)
• Contrasting countertop colors to improve depth perception (Hire a pro)
• Stove with front- or side-mounted controls (Add professional installation to the appliance purchase)

Living Areas and Common Spaces

Living rooms and common areas are often places where the clutter of a life well lived accumulates. Aging in place doesn’t mean you have to toss beloved belongings, but it does require some organization and adjustment.

• Remove scatter rugs or secure with non-slip backing (Easy DIY)
• Manage electrical cords so they are out of pathways (Easy DIY)
• Adequate and adjustable lighting throughout (Easy DIY)
• Clear, wide pathways, at least 36 inches for walkers/wheelchairs (DIY for clutter, hire a pro for structural changes)
• Furniture with armrests to support sitting and standing (Schedule delivery and set up for new furniture)

Doors and Entryways

Doors and entryways should be wide enough to move through easily and cleared of any potential trip hazards.

• Install a bench or seat near the front entry for removing shoes (Easy DIY)
• Swap round doorknobs for lever handles (Potential DIY or hire a pro)
• Ensure good exterior lighting and a clear path from driveway to door (Potential DIY or hire a pro)
• Widen doorways to at least 32–36 inches where possible (Hire a pro)
• Create at least one step-free entry to the home (Hire a pro)

Stairs and Hallways

The transitional spaces in your home are just as important to consider as the individual rooms. If you live in a multi-story home, think about making the stairs more accessible. In all homes with hallways, think about lighting and clear walkways.

• Consider non-slip stair treads or carpet runners (Easy DIY)
• Widen hallways where feasible, or at minimum keep them clear of furniture (DIY organization, or hire a pro)
• Sturdy handrails on both sides of any staircase (Potential DIY or hire a pro)
• Adequate lighting on stairways with accessible switches at top and bottom (Hire a pro)
• If stairs are a longer-term concern, evaluate stair lift options (Hire a pro)

Technology and Smart Home Features

Investing in smart home features throughout your home can pave the way for aging in place. Smart lighting, security systems, and medical alert systems can empower you to control your environment. If you’re tech-savvy, you can do a lot of this yourself. You also have the option of expert installation.

• Voice-activated or smart lighting (Easy DIY)
• Video doorbell for added security without needing to rush to the door (Easy DIY)
• Smart thermostat for comfort and energy efficiency (Potential DIY or hire a pro)
• Consider motion-activated lighting in hallways and bathrooms (Potential DIY or hire a pro)
• Medical alert or emergency response system (Hire a pro)

Outdoor Spaces

The outside is just as important as the inside when it comes to aging in place. Think about the outdoor space leading up to your home, such as your driveway, as well as outdoor spaces for enjoyment, like a patio or a garden.

• Stable outdoor seating (Easy DIY)
• Motion-activated exterior lighting (Potential DIY or hire a pro)
• Raised garden beds to reduce bending (Potential DIY or hire a pro)
• Level, well-maintained pathways to the car, mailbox, and entryways (Hire a pro)
• Ramp access if steps are present at any entrance (Hire a pro)

When Modifying Isn’t Enough: Exploring a Move

This checklist can serve you well in your retirement years. As you look it over, you might find you can’t check off enough items in your current home. If you live in a multi-story home or a structurally limited home, for example, it might not be feasible to make all of the necessary modifications for aging in place.

What are some signs that your home isn’t right for aging in place?

• Multi-story homes that make it difficult or expensive to add safety and accessibility features to stairs.
• Multi-level homes without a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor.
• Homes with narrow doors and hallways that do not allow easy passage for a walker or wheelchair.
• Homes with large outdoor spaces that require significant maintenance may become challenging for active adults.
• Homes without any one-step entryways could pose potential safety risks.
• Bathrooms that lack space for a shower seat or bench.
• Homes that require significant updates to be made aging-in-place-ready might stretch your budget to the point of being impractical.

Rather than trying to take on the expense and complications of making your home the right environment for aging in place, you could consider moving. You could downsize to a home that would be a less daunting task to update with this checklist, or you could look for a home that is already built with your needs in mind.

55+ communities offer an alternative for homeowners who want to retain control of their own space as they enjoy their retirement years. These communities offer purpose-built homes that prioritize the exact design features you would need to update in an existing home for aging in place.

Active adult communities offer a great degree of choice and flexibility. You can find one-story single-family homes, or you can find condo buildings with elevators. Homes in these communities are designed with accessibility and low maintenance in mind, while also coalescing into welcoming neighborhoods built to support active lifestyles. Once you’ve checked the items off on this list, you can start thinking about the hobbies and relationships you want to flourish in your chosen community.

Planning Ahead

Proactively thinking about what you will need to be safe and comfortable in your retirement years is an important way to retain control over your future. If you know you want to age in place, you can use this checklist to get a head start. Begin with small projects and build momentum.

If you find that updating your current home isn’t possible, you can still use this checklist to help guide your search for a new home. You might find that a purpose-built home in a 55+ community checks all of the boxes on your list.

FAQ: Aging-in-Place Checklist

What does “aging in place” mean?

Aging in place means continuing to live in your own home safely, independently, and comfortably as you get older, rather than moving to a care facility. It typically involves modifying a home’s layout and features, such as adding grab bars or widening doorways, to accommodate changing physical needs.

What home modifications are most important for aging in place?

The most important modifications are usually in the bathroom, since it’s the highest-risk room for falls, with grab bars, a walk-in shower, and non-slip flooring topping most lists. Wider doorways, better lighting, and a step-free entry are also high-priority updates for whole-home accessibility.

How much does it cost to modify a home for aging in place?

Costs vary widely, from under $50 for a nightlight to several thousand dollars for a walk-in shower or stair lift installation. Simple DIY changes like removing rugs or adding a handheld showerhead cost very little, while structural work such as widening doorways or adding a step-free entry requires a larger budget and professional labor.

Can I make aging-in-place modifications myself, or do I need a professional?

Many small changes, like adding nightlights, decluttering pathways, or installing a handheld showerhead, are easy DIY projects. Bigger structural changes, such as installing grab bars, widening doorways, or adding a walk-in shower, typically require a licensed contractor or a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).

What is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)?

A CAPS is a professional who has completed a credentialed training program through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to assess homes and guide aging-in-place renovations. Hiring a CAPS professional is especially useful for larger projects, like bathroom remodels or accessibility retrofits.

Which room should I modify first for aging in place?

Most experts recommend starting with the bathroom, since it’s used daily and has the highest fall risk. The bedroom is a close second, particularly adding nightlights and keeping pathways clear for nighttime trips to the bathroom.

How wide should doorways be for wheelchair or walker accessibility?

Doorways should be widened to at least 32 to 36 inches to comfortably accommodate a walker or wheelchair. Hallways should maintain a similar minimum width of 36 inches to allow for safe, unobstructed movement.

What are signs that a home isn’t suited for aging in place?

Multi-story homes without a bedroom and bathroom on the main floor, narrow doorways and hallways, and homes without any step-free entryways are common red flags. Homes requiring extensive updates to become aging-in-place-ready may also stretch a budget past what’s practical.

Is it better to modify my current home or move to a 55+ community?

Modify your current home if it already has a workable single-story layout and you’re attached to the location. Choose a 55+ community if your home has structural barriers, like multiple stories or narrow hallways, that would be costly to fix, since these communities offer purpose-built homes with accessibility features already in place and low-maintenance living.

Do I need grab bars in every bathroom?

Yes, safety experts recommend grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub in every bathroom you use regularly. This is typically a job for a licensed professional, since grab bars must be anchored into wall studs to safely support weight.

How do I create a budget for aging-in-place modifications?

Start by listing modifications by room and marking each as an easy DIY, a potential DIY, or a hire-a-pro project, then estimate costs for the hire-a-pro items first, since those carry the most variability. Many homeowners tackle one larger project per season to spread out the expense over time.

How do I find a home that’s already designed for aging in place?

Look for 55+ communities, which offer purpose-built homes, including one-story single-family designs and condos with elevators, engineered with accessibility and low-maintenance living in mind. Working with a real estate agent who specializes in active adult communities can help you compare options that already check off items on your aging-in-place checklist.

Find a Home That’s Already Built for Aging in Place

Whether you’re ready to update your current home or would rather move into a residence designed with accessibility in mind from the start, 55places.com can help you explore active adult communities built for comfortable, low-maintenance living. Contact 55places.com today!