Can I Safely Age in This Home? A 10-Minute Self-Checklist

A Simple Question That Deserves an Honest Answer

Most people don’t plan to move as they age — they plan to stay. But the real question isn’t where you want to live. It’s whether your home will continue to support your safety, mobility, and independence.

At Rolling Along, we help people move freely and confidently in their homes every day. This 10-minute self-checklist is designed to help you quickly assess whether your home is truly ready for aging in place — or whether small changes now could prevent big problems later.

Grab a pen, walk through your home, and answer honestly.

Step 1: Entryways and Exits — Can You Get In and Out Safely?

Your front door should never feel like an obstacle course. Take a moment to check:

  • Are there steps without handrails?
  • Is the walkway uneven, cracked, or slippery when wet?
  • Do door thresholds create a trip hazard or block mobility aids?

If entering or exiting your home feels difficult today, it will only become harder over time. Ramps, platform lifts, and safer entry transitions can make a dramatic difference without changing the character of your home.

Step 2: Floors and Hallways — Are Pathways Clear and Predictable?

Falls often happen in the most familiar places. Walk your main routes and look for:

  • Loose rugs, cords, or clutter in walking paths
  • Dark hallways or rooms with poor lighting
  • Narrow spaces that make turning or steady walking difficult

Clear, well-lit pathways are one of the simplest — and most effective — ways to reduce fall risk and improve everyday confidence.

Step 3: Bathrooms — Are You One Slip Away from a Fall?

Bathrooms are consistently the highest-risk room in the home. Ask yourself:

  • Can you step into the shower or tub without holding onto something unstable?
  • Are grab bars securely installed where you actually need them?
  • Is the toilet height comfortable for sitting and standing?

Walk-in showers, shower seating, and properly placed grab bars don’t just improve safety — they preserve privacy and dignity.

Step 4: Stairs and Level Changes — Are They Still Working for You?

Stairs don’t have to be steep to be dangerous. Check:

  • Are stair edges clearly visible?
  • Do handrails feel sturdy and reachable on both sides?
  • Do you avoid certain areas of your home because of steps?

If stairs are becoming a daily challenge, solutions like stair lifts, ramps, or vertical platform lifts can help you continue using your entire home safely.

Step 5: Daily Living Areas — Does Your Home Support How You Actually Live?

Now consider how you move through your kitchen, living room, and bedroom:

  • Are frequently used items easy to reach?
  • Can you stand up from chairs and couches without strain?
  • Is there enough space to move comfortably between furniture?

A home that supports aging in place should work with you — not require constant adjustments or extra effort just to get through the day.

What Your 10-Minute Checklist Tells You

If you found even a few areas of concern, you’re not alone. Most homes weren’t designed with long-term mobility in mind. The good news is that aging in place doesn’t require moving — it requires smart, thoughtful solutions.

At Rolling Along, we help people stay in the homes they love by providing mobility solutions that prioritize safety, independence, and dignity. Whether you need simple safety upgrades or more advanced accessibility options, addressing concerns early can help you stay confident, comfortable, and in control of your home for years to come.