Aging in Place Checklist — Room-by-Room Home Safety Guide

No-step entry or a low-slope ramp (max 1:12 slope) at the main entrance

Grab bar at the front door — mounted to a stud, not just drywall

Motion-activated exterior lights on all entry paths

Lever-style door handles on all exterior doors (round knobs are hard to grip with arthritis)

Slip-resistant doormat that lies flat and does not bunch at edges

Keyless entry lock or smart lock (eliminates fumbling with keys at night)

Pathway lighting from driveway or garage to front door

Handrail on all porch or front steps — even if just one or two steps

Clear pathways of at least 36 inches between furniture — wide enough for a walker or wheelchair

Remove all throw rugs, or secure edges with non-slip tape (throw rugs are the #1 fall hazard in living areas)

Furniture at the right seat height — 17-19 inches makes sitting and standing much easier

Firm seat cushions — soft cushions that sink make it hard to stand without help

No low coffee tables that catch feet in the dark

Lamp placement so no one has to walk across a dark room to reach a light switch

Accessible electrical outlets — not behind furniture or near the floor

Power recliner if standing from a standard chair is already difficult

Pull-out shelves in lower cabinets — eliminates bending into deep cabinets

D-ring cabinet handles (easy to pull with limited grip strength)

Anti-scald faucet or water heater set to 120°F max to prevent burns

Lazy Susan in corner cabinets to reach items without twisting

Stove or cooktop with front or side controls — reaching over a burner is a burn risk

Non-slip mat in front of sink and stove

Heavy items (pots, pans, blenders) stored between knee and shoulder height — no overhead heavy items

Contrasting colors on counter edges so depth is easy to judge

Grab bar next to toilet — 42 inches long, mounted to studs, can support 250 lbs

Grab bar inside shower or tub — horizontal bar at 33-36 inches from floor

Grab bar outside shower entry for step-in/step-out

Shower chair or fold-down bench — sitting to shower removes the biggest fall risk

Handheld showerhead on a slide bar (can be used seated or standing)

Non-slip mat in the shower and on the bathroom floor

Walk-in shower preferred over tub — eliminating the tub step-over removes a major hazard

Contrasting toilet seat (easier to see depth on white-on-white fixtures)

Nightlight that activates automatically for middle-of-night trips

Towel bars rated for body weight support (most decorative ones are not — replace them)

Bed at the right height — 17-19 inches from floor to top of mattress makes standing easier

Motion-activated nightlight on the path to the bathroom

Beside lamp or light switch reachable from the bed — do not have to stand up in the dark

Phone or medical alert device within reach from the bed (not across the room)

Firm mattress — soft mattresses make it harder to sit up and stand

Bed rail or transfer handle if getting in and out of bed is already difficult

No cords or rugs in the path between bed and bathroom

Grab bar if transitioning from bed to a wheelchair or walker

Handrail on both sides of every staircase — one rail is not enough if balance is a concern

Non-slip treads on every step — rubber strips or carpet that does not bunch

Lighting at the top and bottom of every staircase with a switch at each end

No clutter stored on any step — ever

Contrasting tape or color on stair nosing so each edge is easy to see

If daily stair use is needed long-term, evaluate a stair lift early — waiting until after a fall is too late

Smoke detector on every level, tested monthly, batteries replaced annually

Carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas

Medical alert system worn or kept within reach at all times — not just near the phone

Emergency contact list posted on the refrigerator and near every phone

First aid kit in an accessible spot that does not require kneeling or climbing

All medications in one organized location with clear labeling

Night lights in every hallway, bathroom, and bedroom

Clear house number visible from the street for emergency responders