An Aging-In-Place Home Design Checklist

Here’s the good news. If you choose to remain in your home as you age, there are ways to modify your house.

Ensure exterior is low maintenance, choosing vinyl and brick versus painted wood for siding, and shrubs and plants that don’t require frequent upkeep.
Ensure deck, patio and balcony surfaces are no more than a half an inch below the interior floor level if made of wood.

If building a new home, consider keeping the main living areas on a single story, with a full bath.
Ensure there is a 5-foot by 5-foot turning space in the living area, kitchen, bedroom and a bathroom.
Where possible build or enlarge hallways to a minimum width of 36 inches.
Add handrails on both sides of the stairway.

Install lever handles or pedal controlled faucets with thermostatic or anti-scald controls.
Install upper wall cabinetry 3 inches lower than conventional height.
Add accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace.
Consider glass front cabinet doors or open shelving for easy access to frequently used items.
Add roll out trays to base cabinets.
Consider a side-by-side refrigerator.
Consider front controls and downdraft to pull heat away from user.
Install a light in the shower stall.
Select toilet paper holders that are designed to change roll with one hand.
Utilize adjustable handheld showerheads with a 6 foot hose.

Where possible, ensure there is at least one no-step entryway to the home.
Install a sensor light at the exterior door most often used – and the one with the no-step entry – that shines on the front door lock and keyhole.
Ensure entry doors have 32 inches of clear width, which requires a 36-inch door. Consider doors with sidelights or a low peep hole viewer.

Build flush thresholds where possible. For exterior thresholds, aim for a maximum of a half-inch beveled and a maximum of a quarter-inch beveled for interior.

Install levered door hardware, instead of knobs.
Ensure there is 32 inches of clear width to pass through, which requires a 36-inch door.