Aging-In-Place
Design Checklists
Are you a consumer seeking to modify an existing home for aging in place or build a new home to meet your needs over the long term? If so, check out our Aging-In-Place Design Checklists. They contain features you may want to consider for your next new construction or renovation project.
Exterior
-
Low-maintenance exterior (vinyl, brick)
-
Low-maintenance shrubs and plants
-
Deck, patio or balcony surfaces are no more than ½ inch below interior floor level if made of wood
Overall Floor Plan
-
Main living on a single story, including full bath
-
No steps between rooms/areas on the same level
-
5-foot by 5-foot clear/turn space in living area, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom
Entry
-
At least one no-step entry with a cover
-
Sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock
-
Non-slip flooring in foyer
-
Entry door sidelight or high/low peep hole viewer; Both providing privacy and safety
Interior Doors
-
There needs to be 32 inches of clear width, which requires a 36-inch door
-
Levered door hardware
Windows
-
Lowered windows or taller windows with lower sill height
-
Low maintenance exterior and interior finishes
-
Easy to operate hardware
Garage or Carport
-
Wider than average carports to accommodate lifts on vans
-
5-foot minimum access aisle between accessible van and car in garage
-
Ramp to doorway if needed
-
Handrail if steps
Kitchen and Laundry Counters
-
Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets
-
Upper wall cabinetry - 3 inches lower than conventional height
-
Pull-down shelving
-
Open shelving for easy access to frequently used items
Appliances
-
Washing machine and dryer raised 12 to 15 inches above floor
-
Front loading laundry machines
-
Microwave oven at counter height or in wall
-
Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer
Bathroom
-
Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets
-
At least one wheelchair maneuverable bath on main level
-
Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250 - 300 pounds
-
If stand-up shower is used in main bath, it is curbless and minimum of 36 inches wide
-
Bathtub - lower for easier access
-
Fold down seat in the shower
-
Adjustable/ handheld showerheads, 6-foot hose
-
Toilet 2 ½ inches higher than standard toilet (17 to 19 inches) or height-adjustable
Stairways, Lifts and Elevators
-
Adequate hand rails on both sides of stairway, 1 ¼-inch diameter
-
Increased visibility of stairs through contrast strip on top and bottom stairs, color contrast between treads and risers on stairs and use of lighting
-
Multi-story homes may provide either pre-framed shaft (ie. stacked closets) for future elevator, or stairway width must be minimum of 4 feet to allow space for lift
-
Residential elevator or lift
Ramps
-
Slope no greater than 1 inch rise for each 12 inches in length, adequate handrails
-
5-foot landing provided at entrance
-
2-inch curbs for safety
Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security
-
Light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms
-
High-tech security/intercom system that can be monitored, with the heating, air conditioning and lighting, from any TV in the house
-
Flashing porch light or 911 switch
-
Direct wired to police, fire, and EMS (as option)
-
Home wired for security
Other Ideas
-
Separate apartment for rental income or future caregiver
-
Flex room that can be used for an aging parent/aging in place