A Room-By-Room Guide to Aging in Your Own Home

Prioritize fall prevention above all

Falls are the leading cause of lost independence for older adults, making hip and head injury prevention the primary focus of any home retrofit.

Universal design benefits all ages

Modifications like decluttered hallways, stair runners, and better lighting help toddlers, middle-aged adults, and elderly residents navigate safely.

Recognize when to leave

Despite emotional attachment to a home, assisted living or nursing facilities sometimes provide significantly better care and safety than aging in place.

Create a functional landing zone

Install a storage bench near the entrance for removing shoes and coats to eliminate trip hazards and store assistive devices like dressing sticks.

Secure stair railings properly

Ensure railings exist on both sides, extend slightly beyond the bottom step, and terminate into walls or posts rather than ending abruptly.

Improve tread traction

Add carpeted runners or grip tape to polished wood stairs to prevent slips, avoiding the utilitarian look of adhesive grip strips if possible.

Customize grab bar placement

Install grab bars exactly where an individual naturally braces themselves when entering the shower rather than following standard ADA height measurements.

Eliminate tub barriers

Use transfer benches that straddle shower curbs to avoid high-stepping injuries, paired with handheld showerheads to eliminate body contortion.

Raise toilet height

Replace standard toilets with ADA-height models that add 2-3 inches, or use seat risers to reduce fall risk when sitting and standing.

Install motion-activated lighting

Place night lights throughout the bathroom to prevent falls during nighttime visits without fumbling for switches.

Invest in adjustable beds

Electric beds that elevate to near-standing positions assist those with limited mobility in getting up safely without caregiver help.

Establish dedicated dressing areas

Place a sturdy chair in a specific dressing zone rather than using the bed, preventing falls from slippery surfaces or one-legged hopping.

Duplicate assistive devices

Keep multiple versions of dressing sticks and shoe horns in both the bedroom and entryway to ensure they are always within reach.