Is Your Home Ready for Thriving in Place?

The Short Answer

Thriving in place means more than just aging in place — it means living comfortably, safely, and independently in your home for as long as possible. This checklist helps you evaluate your home room by room to identify potential issues and prioritize upgrades. Most homes in North Central Florida built before 2015 need at least some modifications to be truly ready for thriving in place, and the best way to identify what your home needs is a professional home accessibility assessment.

Use this checklist to start the conversation, then schedule a free home assessment to get a professional evaluation of your home.

Table of Contents

• —What Is Thriving in Place?
• —How to Use This Checklist
• —Entry and Exterior Checklist
• —Living Areas Checklist
• —Kitchen Checklist
• —Bathroom Checklist
• —Bedroom Checklist
• —Stairs and Hallways Checklist
• —Lighting and Flooring Checklist
• —Common Issues in Older Florida Homes
• —Priority Upgrades
• —Frequently Asked Questions
• —Schedule a Free Home Assessment

What Is Thriving in Place?

Thriving in place is the idea that you can live in your home comfortably, safely, and independently for as long as possible — not just surviving, but thriving. It goes beyond basic safety modifications to include features that make your home enjoyable and easy to use as your needs change.

Thriving in place involves safety (reducing fall hazards), accessibility (making your home easier to enter, move through, and use), comfort (making your home comfortable to live in), independence (maintaining your ability to live independently), and future-proofing (planning for changing needs).

How to Use This Checklist

Walk through your home with this checklist and evaluate each area. For each item, note whether it is good (your home already meets this standard), needs attention (an upgrade would improve safety or accessibility), or not applicable. Do not be discouraged if you find items that need attention — most homes built before 2015 need at least some modifications.

Entry and Exterior Checklist

• —Is there a zero-step entry or a ramp at the main entrance?
• —Is the entry door at least 32 inches wide (36 inches is better)?
• —Does the entry door have a lever handle (not a knob)?
• —Is there adequate lighting at the entry (inside and outside)?
• —Is there a covered area at the entry to protect from rain?
• —Is the walkway to the entry even and free of tripping hazards?
• —Are outdoor walkways even, well-lit, and free of cracks?
• —Are outdoor steps (if any) in good condition with handrails?

Priority upgrades for the entry: Add a ramp or zero-step entry if there are steps. Install lever door handles. Add adequate lighting. Repair uneven walkways. See our ramps and zero-step entries and wider doorways pages for more information.

Living Areas Checklist

• —Are interior doorways at least 32 inches wide (36 inches is better)?
• —Do interior doors have lever handles (not knobs)?
• —Are door thresholds flush or low?
• —Is the flooring even and free of tripping hazards (loose rugs, curled carpet, uneven transitions)?
• —Is the flooring slip-resistant, especially in areas that may get wet?
• —Are area rugs secured with non-slip backing or removed?
• —Is there enough space to navigate with a walker or wheelchair if needed?
• —Are furniture arrangements leaving clear pathways through the room?
• —Are electrical outlets at a comfortable height (not too low to the floor)?
• —Are light switches at a comfortable height?

Priority upgrades: Remove tripping hazards. Install lever door handles. Ensure clear pathways. Add adequate lighting.

Kitchen Checklist

• —Are countertops at a comfortable height?
• —Is there a counter section at a lower height for seated use?
• —Are cabinet pulls and handles easy to grip (D-shaped or lever handles, not small knobs)?
• —Are frequently used items stored within easy reach?
• —Is the oven at a comfortable height (wall oven or raised oven, not too low)?
• —Is the cooktop at a comfortable height with controls at the front?
• —Is the refrigerator easy to open (side-by-side or French door is easier than top-freezer)?
• —Is the dishwasher raised to a comfortable height?
• —Does the kitchen faucet have a lever handle?
• —Is there a pull-down or pull-out spray head on the faucet?

Priority upgrades: Install lever faucet handles. Add pull-down shelving. Adjust counter heights if needed. Ensure frequently used items are within easy reach. Add task lighting. See our accessible kitchens page for more information.

Bathroom Checklist

• —Is the bathroom doorway at least 32 inches wide?
• —Does the bathroom door have a lever handle?
• —Is there a curbless shower or walk-in tub, or can the existing shower/tub be entered safely?
• —Are there grab bars at the shower/tub entry and inside the shower/tub?
• —Is there a handheld showerhead on an adjustable bar?
• —Is there a shower seat or bench?
• —Is the shower floor slip-resistant?
• —Is the toilet at a comfortable height (comfort height or raised)?
• —Are there grab bars next to the toilet (side wall and/or behind)?
• —Does the bathroom faucet have a lever handle?
• —Is the bathroom well-lit (including lighting in the shower area)?
• —Is there a night light or motion-activated light for nighttime bathroom visits?
• —Is the flooring slip-resistant?
• —Is the water temperature controlled to prevent scalding (anti-scald valve)?

Priority upgrades: Install grab bars anchored to wall framing. Install a handheld showerhead. Add improved lighting. Install slip-resistant flooring. Install lever faucet handles. Add a curbless shower or walk-in tub if the existing shower/tub is difficult to enter. See our accessible bathrooms and best bathroom safety upgrades pages for more information.

Bedroom Checklist

• —Is there a bedroom on the first floor (main level)?
• —If the bedroom is upstairs, is there a stairlift, or can a first-floor bedroom be created?
• —Is the bedroom doorway at least 32 inches wide?
• —Is there enough space to navigate with a walker or wheelchair if needed?
• —Is the closet easy to access (wide door, low shelves, pull-down rods)?
• —Is the bed at a comfortable height (not too low or too high)?
• —Is there a light switch near the bed?
• —Is there a night light or motion-activated light for nighttime bathroom trips?

Having a bedroom on the first floor is essential for thriving in place if you have stairs. If your bedroom is upstairs, consider creating a first-floor bedroom, installing a stairlift, or adding an addition. See our additions and first-floor living page for more information.

Stairs and Hallways Checklist

• —Are stairs in good condition with even treads and risers?
• —Do stairs have sturdy handrails on both sides (if possible)?
• —Is there adequate lighting on the stairs (including at the top and bottom)?
• —Is there a non-slip surface on the stair treads?
• —Is there a stairlift if stairs are difficult to navigate?
• —Are hallways at least 36 inches wide?
• —Are hallways well-lit and free of obstructions?
• —Are hallway doorways at least 32 inches wide?

Stairs are one of the biggest barriers to thriving in place. If you have stairs and cannot relocate your bedroom and bathroom to the first floor, a stairlift may be an option. Priority upgrades: Add or repair handrails. Add adequate lighting. Remove obstructions from hallways. Install a stairlift if needed.

Lighting and Flooring Checklist

Lighting

• —Is the home well-lit throughout (including hallways, stairs, and bathrooms)?
• —Are light switches at a comfortable height?
• —Are light switches at the top and bottom of stairs?
• —Is there a light switch near the bed in each bedroom?
• —Are there night lights or motion-activated lights in hallways and bathrooms?
• —Is the lighting bright enough for reading and tasks?

Flooring

• —Is the flooring even and free of tripping hazards?
• —Is the flooring slip-resistant, especially in wet areas?
• —Are area rugs secured with non-slip backing or removed?
• —Are floor transitions between rooms flush or low?
• —Is the flooring easy to navigate with a walker or wheelchair?

Good lighting is one of the most affordable and impactful upgrades for thriving in place. Priority upgrades: Add adequate lighting in dark areas. Add night lights or motion-activated lights. Add light switches at the top and bottom of stairs. Add a light switch near the bed. Replace dim bulbs with brighter LED bulbs. See our safer flooring and lighting page for more information.

Common Issues in Older Florida Homes

Many homes in Gainesville, Ocala, and North Central Florida were built before 2015 and have common issues:

Slab Foundations

Many homes in North Central Florida have slab foundations. This affects curbless shower installation (which may require cutting and re-sloping the concrete) and other modifications that involve the floor.

Older Plumbing and Electrical

Many older homes have outdated plumbing (galvanized pipes, polybutylene) and electrical (two-prong outlets, no GFCI, insufficient circuits). These may need to be updated during a remodel.

Narrow Doorways

Many older homes have doorways that are 28-30 inches wide, which is narrower than the 32-inch minimum recommended for accessibility.

Step-in Showers

Many older homes have step-in showers with high thresholds that can be a trip hazard. Converting to a curbless shower is a significant upgrade but greatly improves accessibility.

No First-Floor Bedroom or Bathroom

Many older two-story homes do not have a bedroom or bathroom on the first floor. This can make aging in place difficult if stairs become a barrier.

Poor Lighting

Many older homes have inadequate lighting, especially in hallways, stairs, and bathrooms. Upgrading lighting is one of the most affordable and impactful improvements.

For more information about issues in your area, see our Gainesville and Ocala location pages.

Priority Upgrades

If you are not sure where to start, here are the priority upgrades we recommend:

High Priority (Safety-critical and affordable)

1. —Grab bars anchored to wall framing (bathroom)
2. —Improved lighting (throughout the home, especially hallways, stairs, and bathrooms)
3. —Remove tripping hazards (loose rugs, uneven flooring)
4. —Lever door handles (replace knobs throughout the home)
5. —Handheld showerhead on an adjustable bar

Medium Priority (Important for accessibility)

6. —Slip-resistant flooring (bathroom, kitchen, entry)
7. —Lever faucet handles (kitchen and bathroom)
8. —Curbless shower or accessible bathtub (if the existing shower/tub is difficult to enter)
9. —Ramp or zero-step entry (if there are steps at the main entrance)
10. —Wider doorways (if doorways are narrower than 32 inches)

Lower Priority (Significant projects)

11. —First-floor bedroom and bathroom (if the main bedroom/bathroom is upstairs)
12. —Whole-home accessibility plan (coordinated upgrades across the home)
13. —Accessible kitchen (lowered counters, pull-down shelving, accessible appliances)
14. —Addition (if more space is needed for a first-floor suite)

This is a general prioritization. Your specific priorities may be different based on your home, your needs, and your budget. A professional home assessment can help you prioritize.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use this checklist?

Walk through your home with the checklist and evaluate each area. For each item, note whether it is good, needs attention, or is not applicable. Use the results to identify priorities and plan upgrades. You do not need to address everything at once — start with the high-priority items and work your way down.

Do I need to do all the upgrades at once?

No. We recommend starting with the high-priority, most affordable upgrades (grab bars, lighting, removing tripping hazards, lever door handles, handheld showerhead) and working your way up to the more significant upgrades (curbless shower, ramp, wider doorways, first-floor bedroom).

How much do these upgrades cost?

The cost varies widely depending on the upgrades and your home's condition. Grab bars, lighting, and lever handles are relatively affordable. Slip-resistant flooring and handheld showerheads are moderate cost. Curbless showers, ramps, and wider doorways are more significant investments. First-floor bedrooms and additions are the most expensive. For specific pricing, schedule a free home assessment.

Can I do these upgrades myself?

Some upgrades (removing tripping hazards, replacing door handles, adding night lights) can be done by a handy homeowner. However, we recommend hiring a professional contractor for upgrades that involve plumbing, electrical, or structural work (curbless showers, ramps, wider doorways, grab bars anchored to wall framing). Improper installation can be dangerous and may not meet building code requirements.

How do I know which upgrades my home needs?

A professional home accessibility assessment is the best way to identify which upgrades your home needs. We walk through your home with you, discuss your needs and goals, and recommend specific upgrades based on what we find. The assessment is free and no-pressure. Schedule a free home assessment to get started.

Schedule a Free Home Assessment

This checklist is a starting point, but the best way to evaluate your home for thriving in place is a free, no-pressure home accessibility assessment. We will walk through your home with you, discuss your needs and goals, and recommend specific upgrades based on what we find.

Schedule a free home accessibility assessment or call us at 352-756-3038. We serve homeowners throughout Gainesville, Ocala, and the surrounding communities in Alachua and Marion counties.

For more information about our services, visit our solutions page. For more information about costs and planning, visit our Costs & Planning page.