Kitchen: aging-in-place checklist

The checks

1. Everyday dishes, pots and food are kept between waist and shoulder height

   Both CDC and NIA say move what you use often to where it is easy to reach. The ADA reach range is 15 to 48 in off the floor.

   Medium priority if missing. Usual fix: move everyday items down (no cost), Free (DIY). Bigger option: fit pull-out shelves in low cabinets. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , National Institute on Aging , U.S. Access Board .

2. Nobody climbs on chairs; any step stool is steady and has a handrail

   Standing on a chair to reach a high shelf is on every fall checklist. If a stool is needed, NIA says it should be steady with a bar to hold.

   Medium priority if missing. Usual fix: buy a step stool with a handrail, $36–$117 (DIY). Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , National Institute on Aging .

3. The sink faucet is a single lever or touch type

   Twist knobs need grip and wrist rotation. The ADA benchmark is controls that work with one hand and no tight grasping or twisting.

   Low priority if missing. Usual fix: install a single-lever faucet, $150–$400 (pro). Source: U.S. Access Board , AARP Livable Communities .

4. The stove turns itself off, or there is no risk of it being left on

   For anyone with memory changes, the Alzheimer's Association recommends appliances with automatic shut-off, knob covers, or turning off the gas when not in use.

   Medium priority if missing. Usual fix: fit an automatic stove shut-off, $250–$385 (DIY). Source: Alzheimer's Association .

5. Counters and the stove are brightly lit, with no deep shadows

   The Alzheimer's Association advises keeping rooms well lit. Light on the counters and stove makes dials, labels and knife work easier to see.

   Low priority if missing. Usual fix: add task lighting, $176–$328 (pro). Source: Alzheimer's Association .

6. There is a place to sit while preparing food

   NIA suggests preparing food seated to avoid fatigue and loss of balance. A stool or chair pulled up to a counter is enough.

   Low priority if missing. Usual fix: set up a seated prep spot (no cost), Free (DIY). Source: National Institute on Aging .

7. Any mat by the sink has a rubber back and lies flat

   A sliding mat on a wet floor is a classic kitchen fall. Remove it or fix it down.

   Medium priority if missing. Usual fix: tape the mat down or remove it, $8–$15 (DIY). Source: National Institute on Aging .

Measurements worth taking in the kitchen

Measure	Aim for
Height of the shelves used daily	15 to 48 in above the floor

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important kitchen safety fix?

By severity and likelihood, the highest-risk check here is "Everyday dishes, pots and food are kept between waist and shoulder height". The usual fix is to move everyday items down (no cost), at Free nationally.

How much does it cost to make the kitchen safer?

If every check here failed, the first-choice fixes would total $620–$1,245. 2 of the 7 fixes cost nothing and 3 cost $100 or less, so most homes start well below that.

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC STEADI: Check for Safety, a home fall prevention checklist for older adults (2017)
2. National Institute on Aging: Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room (2022-09-12)
3. U.S. Access Board: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010)
4. AARP Livable Communities: AARP HomeFit Guide (2025-05)
5. Alzheimer's Association: Home Safety (accessed 2026-10-17)