Aging in Place Readiness Checklist: 40 Things to Assess Now

Wanting to age in place and being prepared to age in place are very different things. This checklist covers all five dimensions that determine whether aging in place will work — and where the gaps are most commonly found.

Work through each section honestly. Items marked ★ Priority have the greatest impact on safety and should be addressed first.

Section 1: Home Safety (items 1–12)

The home environment is the most controllable factor in aging in place safety. See our room-by-room fall risk assessment for a deeper dive into each area.

★ Priority items

• 1. Grab bars installed beside the toilet and inside the shower — anchored into wall studs, not just drywall. Cost: $50–$120 per bar installed.
• 2. Non-slip surface in the shower and tub — non-slip adhesive strips or a suction-cup mat. Cost: $15–$40.
• 3. Handrail on every staircase, both sides if possible — runs the full length, securely anchored. Cost: $150–$400 to add a second rail.
• 4. All loose rugs removed or secured — non-slip underlay on all remaining rugs; edges taped. Cost: $0–$50.
• 5. Night lights on the path from bedroom to bathroom — motion-sensor plug-in units. Cost: $10–$25 each.
• 6. Step-free or ramped entry to the home — if there are steps at the entry, is a ramp feasible? Cost: $800–$2,500 installed.

Secondary home safety items

• 7. Shower seat or fold-down bench available — removes the need to stand throughout a shower. Cost: $80–$300.
• 8. Lever door handles throughout — easier to operate with arthritic hands or when carrying items. Cost: $20–$60 per handle.
• 9. Adequate lighting in all rooms and on stairs — aim for 75+ watt equivalent in all task areas. Cost: $5–$20 per bulb replacement.
• 10. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors tested, in date — replace units over 10 years old. Cost: $20–$60 per unit.
• 11. All walkways clear of furniture, cords, and obstacles — minimum 36-inch path throughout. Cost: $0.
• 12. Bed height 17–23 inches — the safe range for getting in and out without strain. Risers or a new base can adjust height. Cost: $20–$80.

Section 2: Health & Mobility (items 13–20)

★ Priority items

• 13. Falls risk assessment completed in the last 12 months — ask the GP to conduct one at the next Annual Wellness Visit. Covered by Medicare Part B.
• 14. Medication reviewed for fall-risk interactions — blood pressure medications, sleep aids, and some antidepressants increase fall risk. Ask the pharmacist or GP for a brown-bag medication review.
• 15. Vision checked in the last 12 months — uncorrected vision problems are a major and under-recognised fall risk factor.
• 16. Medical alert system in place — essential for anyone living alone. See our medical alerts comparison. Cost: $25–$50/month.

Secondary health items

• 17. Current mobility aid is appropriate and in good condition — walker tips, rollator wheels, cane tip checked. See our mobility aids guide.
• 18. Footwear is non-slip with a firm heel — worn soles and loose slippers are a significant fall contributor.
• 19. Regular exercise routine includes balance and strength training — tai chi and strength training have the strongest evidence for fall prevention (NIH, 2024).
• 20. Hearing aids, if needed, are working and being worn — untreated hearing loss is associated with increased fall risk and cognitive decline.

Section 3: Social & Cognitive (items 21–27)

Social isolation is one of the most underestimated aging in place risks. Isolated older adults have significantly higher rates of cognitive decline, depression, and fall-related hospitalisation (NIH, 2024).

• 21. Regular social contact at least 3 times per week — in person, by phone, or video call. Frequency matters more than format.
• 22. Trusted neighbour or nearby friend who can check in — someone who would notice within 24 hours if something was wrong.
• 23. Transportation available for medical appointments and social activities — driving is often the first thing to become unsafe. Is there a plan for when it stops?
• 24. Grocery and essential errands manageable without driving — delivery services, a regular helper, or community transport.
• 25. Cognitive changes monitored — baseline established — ask the GP for a baseline cognitive assessment. This matters enormously if decline needs to be documented later.
• 26. Hobbies, interests, and routine maintained — purposeful daily structure is protective against depression and cognitive decline.
• 27. Technology set up and being used for connection — video calling, a smart display, or at minimum a mobile phone that is actually used. See our smart home guide.

Section 4: Legal & Financial (items 28–34)

The legal documents in this section need to be in place while the person has full capacity to grant them. Waiting until there is a health crisis is too late.

• 28. Durable financial power of attorney in place — designates someone to manage finances if the person becomes incapacitated. This cannot be done after capacity is lost. Cost with elder law attorney: $200–$500.
• 29. Healthcare proxy / healthcare power of attorney in place — designates someone to make medical decisions. Essential before any major surgery or health event.
• 30. Advance directive / living will completed — specifies care preferences including resuscitation, ventilator use, and end-of-life care.
• 31. Will is current and reflects current wishes — review every 3–5 years, or after any major life change.
• 32. Long-term care insurance in place or alternatives identified — if purchasing LTC insurance, the optimal window is ages 55–65. See our LTC insurance guide.
• 33. Home equity and funding options understood — reverse mortgage, HELOC, or selling and downsizing are all options. An elder law attorney or financial planner can model these.
• 34. Grant programs researched for home modifications — USDA Section 504, VA SAH grants, and state Medicaid waivers can significantly offset modification costs. See our grants guide.

Section 5: Support Network (items 35–40)

• 35. Primary caregiver or care coordinator identified — who is responsible for monitoring needs and coordinating care? This must be a specific named person, not "the family."
• 36. Emergency contact system in place — who is called first if something goes wrong? Is their number on the medical alert device and in the home?
• 37. GP and specialist contact information accessible in the home — a card on the fridge or a document in a known location. First responders look for this.
• 38. Current medication list updated and accessible — including dosages, prescribing doctor, and pharmacy contact. Keep a copy in the wallet and at home.
• 39. Local Area Agency on Aging contact known — call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator). They can connect to dozens of local services — meal delivery, transport, home repair, caregiver support groups — most of which are free or low cost.
• 40. Care plan reviewed and agreed with the person aging in place — the person themselves should lead this conversation where possible. Their preferences matter most.

What to do next: prioritising your action list

1. Address all ★ Priority items first — items 1–6, 13–16, 21–22, 28–31, and 35–36 represent the highest-risk gaps. Start here regardless of cost, because the cost of not addressing them is almost always higher.
2. Get a GP appointment scheduled — falls risk assessment, medication review, vision check, and cognitive baseline are all GP-initiated. One comprehensive appointment can address items 13–15 and 25 simultaneously.
3. Get legal documents sorted — if items 28–31 are not in place, contact an elder law attorney. This is not optional and it cannot wait. An average appointment costs $300–$600 and covers all four essential documents.
4. Request an OT home assessment — an occupational therapist can assess the home systematically and identify modifications you may have missed. Covered by Medicare Part B after a GP referral.
5. Revisit this checklist every 12 months — or immediately after any significant health event, fall, or change in living situation.

When to bring in professional help

Frequently asked questions

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