Take a walk around your home and survey the rooms with this checklist of 56 age-friendly features. You may be surprised that there are simple changes you can make to make it more comfortable for everyone who lives there.
You want to make your home as comfortable, convenient and safe as possible so you can enjoy living there for a long time, right? Survey each room with this list and make notes about what’s good and what can be improved. Then next time you redecorate or remodel you can incorporate changes to make it better so every room is livable and adaptable for everyone in the household.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the list – it’s long and pithy – just use the ideas as ways to make a room comfortable, convenient, and safe.
Approaching and Entering the House
- Clearly visible house number on front of the house
- Trimmed shrubbery surrounding the house
- No or low threshold at doors
- Peephole to see who’s at the door
- Exterior lighting with sensors that respond to motion
- Deadbolt lock
- Lever style door handle
- Handrails on sides of stairways
- Safe footing on pathways with even pavement and free of debris
Living and Family Rooms
- Rocker style light switches installed 35-45 inches from the floor
- Electrical outlets installed about 24 inches from the floor
- No tripping hazards by cords from lamps, and devices
- Plenty of space between furniture for easy movement
- Decluttered and organized stuff
- Easy to open windows for natural ventilation and lighting
Kitchens
- No knob cabinet and drawer pulls
- Soft flooring material
- Well lighted work surfaces and over all lighting
- Rocker style light switches installed 35-45 inches from the floor
- Electrical outlets installed about 24 inches from the floor and in counter backsplash
- No tripping hazards by cords from lamps, and devices
- Pressure balanced temperature control sink faucet that’s activated by touch or lever handle
- Easy to reach and see cooktop or stove controls
- Work surface for seated food prep
- Accessible ABC-rated fire extinguisher
Bathrooms
- Non skid floor surface
- Raised or comfort level toilet
- Sink, tub and shower faucets with lever handle
- Overall and vanity lighting
- T tub and shower stalls with a no slip surface, lighting and grab bars
- Pressure balanced temperature control faucets
- Shower with seat and hand held shower head
- Low threshold shower stall entrance
- Water heater set at or below 120 degrees
- No throw or scatter rugs
- Insulated exposed pipe under wall hung sink
Bedrooms
- Furniture arranged so access to bathroom is easy
- No throw rugs; secured carpeting or soft flooring material
- Well lighted with motion sensors and natural lighting during the day
- Rocker style light switches installed 35-45 inches from the floor
- Electrical outlets installed about 24 inches from the floor
- No tripping hazards by cords from lamps, and devices
- Plenty of space between furniture for easy movement
- Decluttered and organized stuff
- Lighted closet with easy to reach and adjustable shelving
Stairwells and Steps
- Automatic lighting sensors and switches at top and bottom
- Secure handrails on both sides
- No slip surface or low pile carpeting
- No throw rugs at top or bottom
- Clutter free steps
All Around the House
- Readily available flashlights
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor
- Touch control lighting fixtures
- Automatic or plug-in night lights
- Cell or landline telephone access
- Easy to operate clothes washer and dryer
