Aging in Place

Plan around the person and the home

Discuss preferences, daily routines, access needs, available support and maintenance costs with the people involved. An occupational therapist or other appropriate healthcare professional can help assess individual functional needs; a qualified contractor can plan modifications.

Aging-in-Place Inspections  

An inspection can identify accessible home conditions and potential barriers for follow-up. It does not determine whether someone can safely live alone or replace a clinical assessment, accessibility design or code review.

The checklist below offers ideas to discuss with qualified professionals. Dimensions, appliance arrangements and fixtures are planning examples, not universal requirements or a construction specification. Suitability depends on the occupant, mobility equipment, installation instructions and applicable requirements. Have grab bars and seats securely installed with appropriate support.

• Appliances:

  • microwave oven in the wall or on the counter;
  • refrigerator and freezer side by side;
  • side-swing or wall oven;
  • controls that  are easy to read;
  • raised washing machine and dryer;
  • front-loading washing machines;
  • raised dishwasher with push-button controls;
  • stoves having electric cooktops with level burners for safely transferring between the burners; front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat away from user; light to indicate when surface is hot; and
  • consider cooking controls and appliance features suited to the user; induction cookware and the surface beneath it can still become hot.

• Bathroom:

  • fold-down seat installed in the shower;
  • adjustable showerheads with 6-foot hose;
  • light in shower stall;
  • wall support, and provision for adjustable and varied-height counters and removable base cabinets;
  • contrasting color edge border at countertops;
  • at least one wheelchair-maneuverable bath on the main level;
  • bracing in walls around the tub, shower, shower seat, and toilet for installation of grab bars;
  • if the stand-up shower is used in the main bath, it is curbless and wide;
  • low bathtub;
  • toilet higher than a standard toilet, or height-adjustable;
  • design of the toilet paper holder allows rolls to be changed with one hand;
  • wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect the user from pipes; and
  • slip-resistant flooring in the bathroom and shower.

• Counters:

  • base cabinet with roll-out trays;
  • pull-down shelving;
  • wall support, and provision for adjustable and varied-height counters and removable base cabinets;
  • upper wall cabinetry lower than conventional height;
  • accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace;
  • counter space for dish landing adjacent to or opposite all appliances;
  • glass-front cabinet doors; and
  • open shelving for easy access to frequently used items.

• Exterior:

  • low-maintenance exterior (vinyl, brick, etc); and
  • low-maintenance shrubs and plants.

• Entry:

  • sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock;
  • non-slip flooring in the foyer;
  • accessible path of travel to the home;
  • at least one no-step entry with a cover;
  • entry door sidelight or high/low peep hole viewer; sidelight should provide both privacy and safety;
  • doorbell in an accessible location; and
  • a surface on which to place packages while opening the door.

• Electrical, Lighting, Safety, and Security:

  • install new smoke and CO detectors;
  • install automated lighting, an emergency alert system, or a video-monitoring system;
  • easy-to-see and read thermostats;
  • light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms;
  • light receptacles with at least two bulbs in vital places (exits, bathroom);
  • light switches, thermostats, and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations no higher than 48 inches from the floor;
  • move electrical cords out of the flow of traffic;
  • replace standard light switches with a rocker or touch-light switches; and
  • pre-programmed thermostats.

• Faucets:

• • thermostatic or anti-scald controls;
  • lever handles or pedal-controlled; and
  • pressure-balanced faucets.

• Flooring:

  • if carpeted, use low-density with a firm pad;
  • smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and exterior; and
  • color and texture contrast to indicate changes in surface levels.

• Hallways:

  • wide;
  • well-lit; and
  • fasten down rugs and floor runners, and remove any that are not necessary.

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning:

  • install energy-efficient units;
  • HVAC should be designed so filters are easily accessible; and
  • windows that can be opened for cross-ventilation and fresh air.

• Miscellaneous:

  • 30-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances, or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns;
  • multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights;
  • loop handles for easy grip and pull;
  • pull-out spray faucet;
  • levered handles;
  • in multi-story homes, laundry chute or laundry facilities in master bedroom;
  • open under-counter seated work areas; and
  • placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas.

• Overall Floor Plan:

  • main living on a single story, including a full bath
  • 5-foot by 5-foot clear turn space in the living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, and
  • no steps between rooms on a single level.

• Reduced Maintenance and Convenience Features:

  • easy-to-clean surfaces;
  • built-in recycling system;
  • video phones;
  • central vacuum;
  • built-in pet feeding system; and
  • intercom system.

• Stairways, Lifts, and Elevators:

  • adequate hand rails on both sides of the stairway
  • residential elevator or lift, and
  • increased visibility of stairs through contrast strip on top and bottom stairs, and color contrast between treads and risers on stairs with the use of lighting.

• Storage:

  • lighting in closets;
  • adjustable closet rods and shelves; and
  • easy-open doors that do not obstruct access.

• Windows:

  • plenty of windows for natural light;
  • low-maintenance exterior and interior finishes;
  • lowered windows, or taller windows with lower sill height; and
  • easy-to-operate hardware.

Advice for those who wish to age in place:

• Talk with your family about aging-in-place

  • Do you want to downsize to a smaller single-family home, or do you plan to stay put in your traditional family home?

• Take a look at your finances and retirement funds.

  • With your current savings and assets, will you be able to pay for home maintenance? Plan a realistic maintenance and modification budget, including ongoing support costs.

• Remodel your home before your mobility becomes limited.

  • As you age, changes in mobility, hearing, vision, and overall health and flexibility will affect how easily you function in your home. Consider making your home “age-friendly” as a phased-in and budgeted home improvement, rather than waiting until you need many modifications at a time due to a health crisis.
  • If you decide before you retire that you want to live in your current home through the remainder of your life, consider paying for “big ticket – long life” home projects while you still have a healthy income. Such items may include having the roof assessed or replaced, replacing and upgrading the water heater or cooling unit, completing termite inspections and treatment, having a septic tank inspection and replacement, as needed.

Review the plan as needs change

Reassess the home and available support over time. Prioritize clear walking routes, suitable lighting, secure handrails and bathroom supports, and working alarms. Home changes can reduce hazards, but cannot eliminate every fall or other risk.

Aging-in-Place Home Inspections