Planning guide · reviewed July 20, 2026

A room-by-room aging-in-place conversation

Start with the older adult's goals. This guide does not diagnose risk or certify a home as safe. Seek appropriate occupational therapy, medical, emergency, electrical, or building expertise.

Entry and routes

Walk everyday routes. Note lighting, thresholds, handholds, door operation, weather exposure, and where packages or mobility equipment sit.

Stairs and level changes

Review lighting, contrast, handrails, and how items are carried. Stair lifts and structural changes require qualified assessment and installation.

Bedroom and bathroom

Consider nighttime lighting, the path between rooms, transfers, reachable communication, and whether the routine calls for an OT assessment.

Kitchen and medication routines

Review frequently used storage, controls, hot surfaces, medication storage, and who checks changing needs.

Emergency plan

Write down contacts, access instructions, preferred hospital, pets, medications, and how responders enter. Confirm the plan with everyone named.