TLC Senior Relocation
Downsize & Move Managers

POSSIBLE AGE-IN-PLACE HOME MODIFICATIONS

There are a number of items to consider when remodeling your home to be senior-friendly.   Do not be alarmed by this List as no one will need all these modifications.  Be aware this list is not all-inclusive! 
 
Focus on the modifications you already know will be necessary.  For example, if you have diminished hearing or eyesight, focus on those modification knowing you may need them sooner or later.

We hope it provides some considerations and self-analysis.

GENERAL

Re-Sale:  Will modifications be assets or liabilities if my home is sold?

Appliances:  all appliances at least within 6" of outlet (minimum extension cords)

Basement:  Fire Escape Ladder installed in egress window well

Bath:  Safety or grab bars  for tub, shower and commode; install elevated toilet

Bath:  Ample maneuvering room, 36" by 36" for turn-around, transfer space for

walker or wheel chair

Bath:  Install phone or medical response device

Bath:  Lower bathroom sink, with knee clearance

Bath:  Stall shower with low threshold and shower seat

Carbon Monoxide Detector (unemcumbered by draperies or any covering)

Cabinets:  sliding shelves for lower cabinets

Cabinet Doors:  Remove or consider glass doors

Cabinet Doors:  Consider magnetic latches (push on outside to open)

or handles that look like a "D" are easier than round knobs

Closets:  Rod 20-44" above floor; organized (don't we wish)

Closets:  Door at least 32" wide

Closet Drawers:  Lower drawers deep and upper drawers shallow

Closet Light:  Easy to reach

Closet Shelves:  No more than 18" deep

Closets, Walk-In:  Storage at different heights

Color Borders around floor and counter-top edges

Desk or Work Area:  Has knee clearance

Doorbell that works like an intercom (can answer with button push; some w/camera)

Garage and Parking - Easy access, clear paths, good lighting

Doors - Easy to open or lock from inside (patio doors and screens)

Door Handles:  Levered door handles instead of knobs

Doorways:  36" wide with off-set hinges on doors

Electrical Outlets:  18 inches off floor instead of 12' or 27" from floor

Emergency Response System installed or wearable

Extension Cords:  Avoid!

Exterior:  Well lit walk-ways with outside light turned on automatically

Exterior Door:  Front Door, install lock box with combination for emergency assistance

Exterior Door: 32" width; 36" better.    Overhang over door.

Exterior Door:  Shelf nearby for packages

Exterior Door:  at least one with no-step threshold (common tripping hazard)

also applicable for interior room divisions

Fire Extinguisher - at least one on each floor including one in bedroom and kitchen

Flashlight - one by bed, checked for working batteries

Flooring - Non-skid, no throw rugs

Front Door - Peep hole at low height

Furniture:  Seating at least 18" off floor; chairs with sturdy arms

Garage Door Opener

Glass on Art Work:  Non-glare glass on art work

Keys:  Does a trusted, neaby-by person have keys?

Kitchen Counters:  color or pattern borders at counter edges

Kitchen Counter Height:  some as low as table height (30")

Kitchen Dishwasher:  Install raised dishwasher

Kitchen:  Install shelf below upper cabinets

Kitchen:  Install "pull down shelves" for upper cabinets

Kitchen:  move hard-to-reach items to lower level; purchase a "grabber"

Kitchen:  Obtain a rolling cart for storing items used daily

Kitchen Microwave or Wall Oven:    Located at reachable height

Kitchen Refrigerator:  Side-by-Side

Kitchen Sink:  May need knee clearance

Kitchen Stove:  Lower cook surface, with front controls

Kitchen Stove:  Gas sensor near gas cooking, water heater and gas furnace

Lamps:  Ability to turn on lamp in each room using switch at door

Laundry Room:  Front-loading washer; supplies within easy reach

Laundry Room: Located on main living floor if possible (no stairs)

Light Bulbs  Incadescent; bulbs easy to change

Light Bulbs:  Consider bulbs which simulate sunshine

Light Switches:  42" instead of 48", with adjustable controls

Light Switches:  Luminous switches in bedrooms, baths and hallways

Light Switches:  Rockey-type (can turn on and off with touch of elbow)

Lower Floor - Adapt lower floor for possible one-level living

Maneuverability:  Clear, unobstructed traffic pattern and clearance in ALL areas

Night Lights:  Stragetically placed inside home; come on automatically

Paint:  Matte finish paint, flooring and counter-tops

Paint Differentiation:  Contrast colors between floors and walls

Ramp for Entry Door

Reading Chair :  Ability to place near a window for natural light

Reading Lamp:  3-way bulb in all reading lamps

Shelves:  install Lazy Susans for deep shelves

Security:  Keyless locking system, battery or electric

Smoke Detectors:  Strobe light or vibrator-assisted smoke and burglar alarms

Smoke Detectors:  At least one on each floor; 1 battery; 1 electric

Stairs:  Handrails for all steps inside and outside

Stairs:  Sufficient Lighting, Light switch at top and bottom of stairs

Snow Removal:  Arrangements made

Storage Space:  Reachable!  (see shelves and kitchen cabinets)

Thermostats:  programmable for heating and cooling

Walkways:  from sidewalk or driveway to entrance has no steps and little slope

Windows:  Kept clean by window cleaning service

Window Sills:  Lower window sills for windows on street

Yard:  Raised beds reduce fatigue and stress on back

Yard:  Motion-Sensitive Lighting

Yard:  Arrangements for maintenance

   OTHER: