Aging in Place Home Assessment Checklist

Why a Home Assessment Matters

Most seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age. But the homes they have lived in for decades were not designed for aging bodies. Hazards that were invisible at 55 become dangerous at 75 — loose rugs, dim stairways, high bathtub walls, cluttered hallways.

A home assessment identifies these risks before they cause a fall or injury. It is the essential first step before spending money on modifications, because it tells you where to invest for maximum safety impact.

How to Use This Checklist

Walk through your home room by room with this checklist. For each item, note whether it passes, needs attention, or needs immediate action. Some items are simple fixes you can do yourself. Others require a contractor.

If you find more than 5–10 items that need attention, consider hiring a CAPS-certified contractor or occupational therapist for a professional assessment. They can prioritize modifications and estimate costs.

Entryways and Exterior

• [ ] At least one entrance is step-free or has a ramp
• [ ] Exterior walkways are even, without cracks or heaving that could cause trips
• [ ] Exterior steps have handrails on both sides
• [ ] Exterior lighting illuminates the path from driveway/street to the front door
• [ ] Doorways are at least 32 inches wide (36 inches preferred for wheelchair access)
• [ ] Door locks and handles are easy to operate with arthritic hands (lever handles preferred)
• [ ] Door threshold is low or flush — no more than 1/2 inch high
• [ ] House numbers are visible from the street for emergency responders
• [ ] Snow and ice removal plan is in place for winter (critical in New England)
• [ ] Outdoor seating is available near the entry for resting after walking

Hallways and General Circulation

• [ ] All hallways are at least 36 inches wide and clear of clutter
• [ ] No loose rugs or runners in hallways (remove or secure with non-slip backing)
• [ ] Flooring transitions between rooms are smooth (no raised thresholds or uneven surfaces)
• [ ] Light switches are accessible at both ends of every hallway
• [ ] Electrical cords do not cross walking paths
• [ ] Furniture does not block natural walking routes through the home
• [ ] At least one room on the main floor can serve as a bedroom if stairs become difficult
• [ ] A phone or personal emergency response system is within reach from the floor (in case of a fall)

Stairways

• [ ] Handrails on both sides of every stairway, securely mounted
• [ ] Handrails extend beyond the top and bottom steps
• [ ] All steps are even height and depth (uneven steps are a major trip hazard)
• [ ] Steps are in good repair — no loose treads, worn carpet, or broken edges
• [ ] Stairway lighting is bright and consistent with no shadows on steps
• [ ] Light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs
• [ ] No clutter stored on steps
• [ ] Carpet or non-slip treads on all steps (bare wood is slippery)
• [ ] If stairs are becoming difficult, space for a stair lift has been evaluated

Bathroom

• [ ] Grab bars installed next to the toilet (vertical and horizontal)
• [ ] Grab bars installed at the tub/shower entry
• [ ] Grab bars installed inside the shower or tub
• [ ] Non-slip surface inside the tub or shower (strips, mat, or coating)
• [ ] Non-slip mat outside the tub where you step out
• [ ] Shower seat or bench available (wall-mounted or freestanding)
• [ ] Toilet is comfort height (17–19 inches) or has a raised seat
• [ ] Faucets have lever handles (not round knobs)
• [ ] Water temperature is set below 120°F to prevent scalding
• [ ] Lighting is bright with no dark corners
• [ ] Night light on the path from bedroom to bathroom
• [ ] Bathroom door can be opened from outside in an emergency
• [ ] Towel bars are NOT being used as grab bars (they will fail under load)
• [ ] Floor is not slippery when wet

Kitchen

• [ ] Frequently used items are stored between waist and shoulder height (no reaching or bending)
• [ ] Step stools are sturdy with handrails (never use chairs to reach high shelves)
• [ ] Floor is non-slip, even when wet
• [ ] Faucet has lever handle
• [ ] Stove has front-mounted controls (reaching over burners is a burn risk)
• [ ] Fire extinguisher is accessible and everyone knows how to use it
• [ ] Smoke detector is present and tested
• [ ] Lighting is bright, especially over countertops and the stove
• [ ] Electrical outlets are accessible without reaching behind appliances
• [ ] Oven is at a comfortable height (wall ovens are safer than floor-level ovens)
• [ ] Trash and recycling bins are easy to access without bending

Bedroom

• [ ] Bed height allows sitting on the edge with feet flat on the floor and knees at 90 degrees
• [ ] Path from bed to bathroom is clear of obstacles
• [ ] Night lights along the path from bed to bathroom and any doorways
• [ ] Light switch or lamp reachable from bed without getting up
• [ ] Phone or emergency call device reachable from bed
• [ ] Closet items are accessible without reaching overhead or bending to the floor
• [ ] Smoke detector in or near the bedroom
• [ ] No loose rugs beside the bed

Living Areas

• [ ] Chairs and sofas are firm and at a height that makes standing up easy (seat height of 17–19 inches)
• [ ] At least one chair has armrests for support when sitting and standing
• [ ] All rooms have adequate lighting — no dark corners
• [ ] Remote controls, phones, and daily-use items are within easy reach from seating areas
• [ ] Loose rugs are removed or secured with non-slip backing
• [ ] Furniture arrangement allows clear, wide walking paths
• [ ] Windows are easy to open and close
• [ ] Thermostat is easy to read and adjust

Laundry

• [ ] Washer and dryer are on the main floor (not requiring stairs)
• [ ] Front-loading machines preferred over top-loading (less bending and reaching)
• [ ] Laundry supplies stored at waist height
• [ ] Floor is non-slip
• [ ] Lighting is adequate

General Safety

• [ ] Smoke detectors on every floor, tested monthly
• [ ] Carbon monoxide detector on every floor
• [ ] Fire escape plan exists and has been practiced
• [ ] Emergency phone numbers posted in a visible location
• [ ] Personal emergency response system (medical alert) in place if living alone
• [ ] Medications are organized and stored safely
• [ ] Home address is clearly visible from the street
• [ ] All door locks work properly and can be operated quickly in an emergency

After the Assessment

Once you have completed the checklist, sort items into three categories:

Do now (free or under $100): Remove loose rugs, rearrange stored items to waist height, add night lights, clear clutter from walkways, test smoke detectors, post emergency numbers.

Do soon (under $1,000): Install grab bars, add non-slip surfaces, improve lighting, install lever faucets, add a shower seat, get a raised toilet seat.

Plan and budget ($1,000+): Walk-in shower conversion, stair lift, ramp installation, first-floor bedroom conversion, comfort-height toilet replacement.

For the planned items, get estimates from CAPS-certified contractors and check state and local financial assistance programs. Many New England states offer grants or low-interest loans for aging-in-place modifications.