Home maintenance & planning · Checklists and planning · Updated November 2026
Preparing a Home for Aging in Place: Room-by-Room Checklist
Many people want to stay in their homes as they get older. A few targeted changes in each room can reduce fall risks and make daily life easier. Start with the bathroom and stairs, where many falls happen.
Entrances
- At least one step-free entrance, or a ramp.
- Handrails on both sides of exterior steps.
- Bright, motion-activated exterior lighting.
- Lever door handles and a keypad or smart lock.
Stairs and hallways
- Sturdy handrails on both sides.
- Light switches at the top and bottom.
- A stair lift if stairs are becoming difficult (straight vs. curved).
- Remove loose rugs and cords.
Bathroom
- Grab bars, a low-curb or curbless shower and a shower seat (bathroom checklist).
- A comfort-height toilet.
- See which accessories need a pro (accessible bathroom accessories).
Kitchen
- Frequently used items between waist and shoulder height.
- Pull-out shelves and drawers instead of deep base cabinets.
- Lever or touchless faucets.
- Good task lighting under cabinets.
Bedroom
- A bedroom on the main floor, if possible.
- A clear path to the bathroom with night lights.
- A bed at a comfortable height.
An occupational therapist can recommend changes for a specific person, and some state and local programs help pay for accessibility modifications.