Checklist: Is your home ready for aging in place?

Aging in place means living safely and independently in your own home as you grow older. As outlined in the Alone 2025: Policies for Aging Well in Ireland Report demographic changes requires policy makers to plan for the needs of an aging population. It’s known that Ireland has the fastest growing aging population in Europe so planning for the future is vital.

We’ve seen aging in place become an increasing topic of conversation in legislation. Positives changes reflected in the 2026 budget included the increase in carers allowance in 2025, effective 2026. We’ve put together list of Government Grants available for those aging in place in Ireland, where you can see what financial support is available to support independent living.

But what can families do on a practical level to ensure homes are safe and comfortable for loved ones?

We’ve created a handy checklist to help you spot problem areas early and plan practical improvements with confidence.

1. Entrance and Exterior Safety

Your home’s exterior is the first step to safe aging in place.

• Clear Pathways: Walkways should be free of obstacles like hoses, planters, or uneven bricks.

• Non-Slip Surfaces: Install grip-friendly mats or anti-slip paint on steps  
  

• Handrails on Stairs: Secure, firm handrails on both sides of all stairs reduce fall risk. 
  

• Good Lighting: Activate motion sensor lights by doors and along paths to improve visibility at night. 

2. Doorways and Hallways

Narrow spaces make it hard to use mobility aids.

• Wide Door Frames: Ensure doorways are wide enough to allow walkers or wheelchairs
• Remove Clutter: Keep hallways clear of furniture or décor that limits movement.
• Lever Handles Instead of Knobs: Lever handles are easier to operate for people with arthritis or limited grip strength.

3. Flooring for Stability

Floor surfaces matter for balance and slip prevention.

• Avoid thick rugs or slippery surfaces like polished tiles
• Secure Rugs: Use non-slip pads or remove rugs entirely to prevent trips.

4. Lighting and Visibility

Good lighting cuts down accidents and reduces eye strain.

• Use bright ambient lighting or install motion sensor lights where possible.
• Use bright bulbs and add lamps to dark corners.
• Night Lights: Place night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
• Light Switch Access: Place light switches at accessible heights.

5. Bathroom Safety

Bathrooms pose one of the biggest fall risks without proper upgrades.

• Grab Bars: Install bars near the toilet and in the shower/tub.
• Walk-In Shower or Bath: A zero-step entry shower is safer than a traditional tub and can be a better option for those with decreased mobility.
• Non-Slip Mats: Place mats inside and outside the shower.
• Raised Toilet Seat: A taller toilet seat can reduce strain and improve stability.

6. Kitchen Accessibility

The kitchen should support daily tasks without risk.

• Use reachable shelving and keep most-used items at waist to shoulder height.
• Anti-Slip Flooring: Use anti-fatigue mats where possible.
• Clear Counter Space: Keep counters clutter-free to make food prep easier.
• Lever Faucets: Faucets with single levers or touchless features aid ease of use.

7. Bedroom Comfort and Safety

Your bedroom should support rest and ease of movement.

• Bed Height: Choose a bed height that allows feet to rest flat on the floor.
• Clear pathways: Make sure there’s a clear route from bed to door.
• Nightstand Essentials: Keep glasses, phone, panic alarms and light within reach.

8. Smart Technology for Support

Modern tech makes aging at home safer and more connected.

• Panic buttons and alarms: Wearable devices can call help if a fall happens.
• Voice-Activated Lights: Voice commands prevent fumbling switches.
• Smart Doorbells: Camera doorbells add security without physical effort.
• Appliance Management: Contactless sensors which can help provide peace of mind, that frequently used appliances are turned off safely.

9. Emergency and Health Preparedness

Planning for emergencies can reduce stress and response time.

• Keep a list of up-to-date emergency contacts: Keep doctor, pharmacy, family, and emergency numbers visible.
• First Aid Kit Accessibility: Store it where it’s easy to reach.
• Use a daily pill organiser for safety and consistency.

10. Personal Support and Care Options

It’s important to know that additional support is available to help make aging in place possible.

• Care Assessments: A professional evaluation can reveal needs you didn’t notice. Teams such as Occupational Health can help determine the best course of action for loved ones.
• Care at Home providers: Care at Home providers, like HaloCare, can offer additional support - whether that’s keeping loved ones physically safe through technology such as panic buttons, or ensuring people living independently don’t become socially isolated.

More about HaloCare