Aging in place is not a default — it’s a design decision. That’s where the Geezers, Gadgets and Gizmos Checklist: How to “Seniorize” Your Home for Independent Living comes in. It helps you evaluate whether your home supports independence, safety, mobility, and long-term function. Use it as a planning tool — not a panic list.

1️⃣ ENTRANCE & EXTERIOR ACCESS

Goal: Safe entry in all weather and lighting conditions.

☐ Step-free or ramped entrance
☐ Sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs
☐ Non-slip surfaces on walkways
☐ Motion-sensor exterior lighting
☐ Brightly lit house numbers
☐ Door handles (lever style, not knobs)
☐ Threshold height minimized
☐ Video doorbell or security system
☐ Secure but easy-to-operate locks

2️⃣ FLOORING & MOBILITY FLOW

Goal: Reduce fall risk and improve navigation.

☐ Remove loose rugs
☐ Secure all carpets
☐ Eliminate threshold height differences
☐ Clear pathways (36” minimum recommended)
☐ No cords crossing walkways
☐ Non-slip flooring in high-traffic areas
☐ Contrast strips on stair edges
☐ Stair handrails on both sides

3️⃣ BATHROOM SAFETY

Goal: Prevent falls and maintain dignity.

☐ Grab bars (not towel racks) near toilet and shower
☐ Walk-in or curbless shower
☐ Shower bench or fold-down seat
☐ Handheld showerhead
☐ Non-slip mats or textured flooring
☐ Raised toilet seat or comfort-height toilet
☐ Adequate lighting (especially night lighting)
☐ Easy-turn faucet handles

4️⃣ KITCHEN FUNCTION

Goal: Maintain independence in daily living.

☐ Frequently used items stored at waist level
☐ Pull-out shelves or drawers
☐ Lever-style faucet
☐ Anti-scald protection
☐ Bright task lighting
☐ Clear space for walker or wheelchair
☐ Stove with automatic shut-off feature
☐ Easy-to-read appliance controls

5️⃣ BEDROOM ACCESS & NIGHT SAFETY

Goal: Safe navigation at night.

☐ Bed height allows easy sitting and standing
☐ Nightlights or motion lighting
☐ Clear path from bed to bathroom
☐ Phone or alert system within reach
☐ Stable bedside table

6️⃣ LIGHTING & VISUAL SUPPORT

Goal: Improve visibility and reduce strain.

☐ Increase overall lighting brightness
☐ Use warm LED bulbs (3000K–4000K range)
☐ Add under-cabinet lighting
☐ Light switches at accessible height
☐ Large-print clocks and thermostats
☐ Contrast color between floors and walls

7️⃣ TECHNOLOGY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Goal: Maintain independence through smart support.

☐ Medical alert system
☐ Voice-activated assistant
☐ Smart thermostat
☐ Video doorbell
☐ Medication reminder system
☐ Emergency contact list visible
☐ Fire extinguishers accessible
☐ Smoke and CO detectors tested

8️⃣ FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY SUPPORT

Goal: Support long-term physical independence.

☐ Space for home exercise
☐ Resistance bands or light weights
☐ Stable chair for balance exercises
☐ Easy access to outdoor walking area
☐ Storage for mobility aids

9️⃣ FUTURE-READINESS 

Goal: Avoid crisis-driven decisions.

☐ First-floor bedroom option
☐ First-floor full bathroom
☐ Doorways wide enough for walker/wheelchair
☐ Ability to install stairlift if needed
☐ Home equity strategy understood
☐ Downsizing contingency plan
☐ Estate plan updated

🔟 SOCIAL & COGNITIVE SUPPORT

Goal: Prevent isolation.

☐ Comfortable seating for guests
☐ Technology for video calls
☐ Easy access to transportation
☐ Organized, clutter-free environment
☐ Mail and paperwork system

🔹 FINAL QUESTION

Ask yourself:

• If my mobility declined tomorrow, would this home support me — or challenge me?
• In the event my spouse needed care, could this house adapt?
• What if I needed to sell quickly, would it be market-ready?

Aging in place is not about fear.

It’s about foresight.

Download the Checklist HERE

Watch Geezers, Gadgets and Gizmos’ Garrison and Alyson on WFSB-TV here as they’re hosted by Scott Haney (distinguished member of the Connecticut Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame) and Kara Sundlun (three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist).

And be sure to watch Geezers, Gadgets and Gizmos on YouTube. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!