Adapting Your Home for Aging Parents: Comprehensive

High-Impact Quick Wins

• Bright LED lights for improved visibility
• Elimination of trip hazards
• Lever handles on doors and faucets for easier use
• Curbless showers or walk-in tubs for accessibility
• Pull-out drawers and induction cooktops for easy meal preparation
• Zero-step entryways for seamless access

Smart Tech Without a Medical Feel

Enhance your home with smart technology, but keep it non-intrusive and easy to use. Here are some options:

• Non-wearable fall detection devices
• Reminder devices for medication and appointments
• First-motion alerts for activity monitoring
• Privacy-first tech to maintain autonomy and dignity

Financing Your Home Adaptations

Discover grants, insurance questions, tax caveats, VA or state programs, and more. Verify your eligibility with a local expert.

Talk through financing options for your home adaptation

Living Together Plan

Create a peaceful transition by setting boundaries for privacy, dignity in downsizing, and a 3-month trial period. Use our printable decision matrix to find the best solution for autonomy, privacy, and daily routines.

Full Room-by-Room Checklist

Save or print this page for a complete checklist you can bring to a contractor or use while shopping.

Whole Home

• Bright LED lights for improved visibility
• Elimination of trip hazards
• Lever handles on doors and faucets
• Zero-step entryways and non-slip flooring at entrances

Bathroom

• Grab bars near the toilet and in the shower
• Curbless shower or walk-in tub
• Raised toilet seat

Kitchen

• Pull-out drawers and adjustable shelving
• Induction cooktop
• Lever faucets with pull-out spouts

Entryways

• Zero-step entries
• Non-slip flooring
• Automatic doors or lever handles on heavy doors

Smart Tech

• Non-wearable fall detection devices
• Medication and appointment reminder devices
• First-motion activity alerts
• Privacy-first tech that preserves autonomy and dignity

Common Questions

What's on my bathroom modifications checklist?

Consider grab bars, a walk-in shower, or a raised toilet seat.

Can you recommend non-wearable fall detection devices?

Research options like Philips Lifeline and Medical Guardian.

Note: Program availability varies by location. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or tax advice.