Essentially, aging in place is making the decision to stay put as you get older — and then making the necessary accommodations and renovations to make your home as safe and accessible as possible.
But is your current home suitable? The home improvement experts at Better Homes & Gardens suggest starting with a room‑by‑room assessment.
Here's what to look for:
Bathroom: Is there a grab bar near the toilet and in the shower? Is the floor non‑slip? Can you access everything without stretching or bending dangerously?
Kitchen: Are frequently used items within easy reach? Are there fire extinguishers and smoke detectors? Is the flooring non‑slip?
Bedroom: Is the bed at a comfortable height? Are light switches accessible from the bed? Is the pathway to the bathroom clear?
Living Room: Is there clear walking space between furniture? Are rugs secured? Is there adequate lighting for reading and moving around?
Entryways: Are there handrails on both sides of stairs? Is the entrance step‑free or ramp‑accessible?
What to do next: Create a "punch list" of renovations that would make your home safer and more accessible. Prioritize fall prevention — it's the most important and often the least expensive fix.