Your home should work for you for the next 20 years. This checklist breaks down every room so you know exactly where to start, what each improvement costs, and which ones make the biggest difference. Most modifications are under $100 and take a weekend to complete.
A note on costs and difficulty: Prices listed are for materials only. Basic tools (drill, stud finder, screwdriver) may be needed for some projects. Items marked "DIY" are manageable for most homeowners. A professional can handle any of these if you prefer.
1
Bathroom
The bathroom has the highest fall risk in the house. Small changes here deliver the biggest safety impact.
Shower and Tub
Install grab bars at entry point and inside shower
Mount one where you step in and out, and one inside at shoulder height. Must be screwed into wall studs, not just drywall.
Add non-slip strips to tub or shower floor
Textured adhesive strips that stick directly to the surface. Replace yearly as they wear down.
Switch to handheld showerhead
Lets you sit while showering and control water direction. Easier to rinse without twisting or losing balance.
Get a shower chair or transfer bench
Standing 10-15 minutes on wet surfaces takes more energy and balance than most people realize. Sitting is practical.
Replace straight curtain rod with curved rod
Gives you more elbow room and easier entry. If you have glass doors that stick or require force, consider having them professionally removed and installing a curtain system.
Toilet Area
Measure toilet seat height
Standard toilets are 15 inches high. If getting up feels like a strain, you need a solution.
Install raised toilet seat
Adds 2–4 inches. Most models clamp onto existing toilet without tools.
Add grab bars beside toilet
One on the wall side, optionally one on the open side. Must mount into studs.
Lighting and Visibility
Upgrade to brighter LED bulbs
After 60, eyes need three times more light. Use daylight temperature LEDs (5000K) with 800+ lumens.
Install motion-sensor night lights
One in hallway between bedroom and bathroom, one inside bathroom near floor level.
Add under-cabinet lighting at vanity
Eliminates shadows on your face when looking in the mirror.
2
Kitchen
The kitchen should let you cook comfortably without excessive reaching, bending, or lifting.
Storage and Organization
Move daily items to waist-to-shoulder height
Plates, glasses, coffee, cooking oil. Anything you use daily should be in the easy-reach zone.
Install pull-out drawers in lower cabinets
Lets you access items in back without crawling into cabinets.
Add lazy Susans to corner cabinets
Makes corner storage accessible without reaching into dark spaces.
Install under-cabinet lighting
LED strips that plug in or hardwire. Eliminates shadows on countertops.
Appliances and Fixtures
Replace round door knobs with lever handles
Easier to operate with full hands or reduced grip strength.
Install single-lever faucet
Easier to operate than separate hot and cold handles. Consider professional installation if plumbing connections are old.
Add pull-out cutting board
Creates workspace at comfortable height. Reduces lifting heavy cutting boards.
Install soft-close cabinet doors and drawers
Prevents slamming. Retrofit hinges available for existing cabinets.
Seating and Workspace
Add kitchen stool or chair for prep work
Lets you sit while chopping vegetables or doing dishes. Look for adjustable height.
Install fold-down counter extension
Creates additional workspace that folds away when not needed.
3
Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a comfortable retreat that supports good sleep and safe movement.
Lighting
Install bedside touch lamps
Easier to operate than small switches in the dark. LED bulbs recommended.
Add motion-sensor path lighting
Lights the path from bed to bathroom without fully waking you up.
Install overhead lighting with wall switch
If your bedroom only has lamps, overhead lighting controlled by wall switch is safer and more convenient.
Storage and Organization
Lower closet rods to accessible height
Standard rods are often too high. Install double rods or lower single rod to 54–60 inches.
Install closet lighting
LED strips or battery-operated fixtures. You should see clothing colors clearly.
Add pull-out bins to closet floor
Easier than bending down to floor-level storage.
Sleep Comfort
Evaluate mattress height
Bed should be 20–23 inches from floor to top of mattress. Add risers or box spring if too low, remove box spring if too high.
Install bed rail or grab bar
Helps with getting in and out of bed. Clamp-on models require no tools.
4
Living Areas
Living rooms and family rooms should be comfortable, well-lit spaces with clear pathways.
Seating
Evaluate chair and sofa height
Seat should be 17–19 inches high. Add firm cushions to raise low seating, or replace if necessary.
Add firm back support to existing seating
Lumbar pillows or back supports that make it easier to stand up from seated position.
Install lift chair or recliner
Mechanical assistance for standing up. Medicare may cover portion with doctor's prescription.
Lighting and Visibility
Add task lighting beside every seating area
Floor lamps or table lamps positioned for reading. LED bulbs with 800+ lumens.
Install dimmer switches
Lets you adjust lighting throughout the day. Consider smart switches for voice control.
Reduce glare from windows
Adjustable blinds, light-filtering shades, or anti-glare film.
Safety and Access
Clear all pathways
Remove or relocate anything you might trip over. Coffee tables, magazine racks, decorative items on the floor.
Secure area rugs with non-slip backing
Heavy rubber backing or rug grippers. Remove rugs that slide or bunch up.
Install handrails on both sides of stairs
Must be mounted securely into wall studs. Consider professional installation for safety.
5
Entryways and Laundry Area
Entryways and Hallways
Install motion-sensor outdoor lighting
Lights up walkway and entry before you reach the door. Solar options available.
Add bright LED bulbs to entry fixtures
You should clearly see keys, door handles, and any steps.
Install lever-style door handles
Easier to operate than round knobs, especially with full hands.
Install keyless entry or smart lock
Eliminates fumbling with keys. Keypad or smartphone-controlled options available.
Create package receiving area
Bench or shelf near door for setting down deliveries and mail. Reduces bending and carrying.
Laundry Area
Install washer and dryer pedestals
Raises appliances 12–16 inches. Reduces bending and includes storage drawers.
Replace top-loading washer with front-loading
Eliminates reaching into deep tub. More water and energy efficient.
Install fold-down table
Wall-mounted table that folds down for sorting and folding clothes.
Add rolling laundry cart
Eliminates carrying heavy baskets. Look for models with multiple compartments.
Where to Start
Start with the bathroom. It has the highest fall risk and the modifications have the biggest safety impact. Focus on grab bars, lighting, and non-slip surfaces first.
Work room by room rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Complete one room fully before moving to the next. This keeps the project manageable and lets you live normally during the work.
Consider hiring an occupational therapist for a home assessment. They can help you prioritize which modifications will make the biggest difference for your specific needs and mobility level.
Many modifications can be done in phases as your budget allows or your needs change. Start with safety essentials and add comfort improvements over time.
Free Resources
- AARP HomeFit Guide (free home assessment checklist and modification ideas)
- Area Agency on Aging Locator (local resources and sometimes funding for home modifications)
- CAPS Directory (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists in your area)
- Rebuilding Together (non-profit providing free home modifications for qualified seniors)
- Veterans Benefits (VA Specially Adapted Housing grants for eligible veterans)