Home Assessment Resources for Aging in Place

Written By Florencia Domínguez

A range of reputable organizations provide home assessment resources to help older adults, caregivers, and professionals support safe and independent living at home. Below is a compiled list of key resources, each directly cited from authoritative sources.

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

·       Reimagining Aging: A New Way Forward for Adaptive Living in the Home
This evidence-based guide introduces eight adaptive design principles to help designers create homes that support independence, reduce isolation, and enable wellness for aging and diverse populations. Developed by ASID’s Universal Design Committee, it offers a framework for inclusive, functional, and beautiful home environments[1].

AARP

·       AARP HomeFit Guide
A comprehensive guide with checklists and practical tips for improving comfort, safety, and accessibility in the home. It covers universal design features, home safety, and step-by-step recommendations for modifications[2].

·       AARP Livability Index™
An online platform that scores neighborhoods and communities across seven key categories (including housing, health, transportation, and engagement) to help individuals assess how well a community supports aging in place[3].

·       AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey
A recurring national survey that examines the needs and desires of adults regarding aging in their homes and communities. The findings inform improvements in housing and community design for older adults[4].

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) / AARP

·       Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) Program
A nationally recognized certification developed by NAHB in collaboration with AARP. CAPS professionals are trained to evaluate homes for safety and accessibility, recommend and implement modifications, and support independent living. The curriculum covers universal design, home modifications, and practical solutions for aging in place[5][6][7].

Occupational Therapy (OT) Resources

·       OT Home Health Evaluation Checklist (AOTA)
A structured checklist for occupational therapists to guide high-quality, client-centered home evaluations. It addresses daily activities, safety, mobility, performance skills, and environmental factors[8].

·       Validated Home Assessment Tools
A range of assessment tools, some designed for professional administration and others for self-assessment by individuals or families. These tools identify safety hazards and recommend modifications, with some validated for efficacy and reliability[9].

Digital Self-Assessment Tools

·       Digital Home Environment Assessment Tools
Recent research has validated digital self-assessment tools that allow older adults to independently assess their homes for age-friendliness and safety. These tools closely align with professional occupational therapist assessments and can be used proactively to identify hazards and plan modifications[10].

State and Community Resources

·       State Advisory Council on Aging Resource Guides (Michigan Example)
State-level guides and reports, such as those from Michigan’s State Advisory Council on Aging, provide checklists, planning resources, and links to local services that support aging in place and community. These resources are often tailored to state-specific needs and programs[11].

Organization/Program Resource Name/Type Description Source
ASID Adaptive Living Resource Guide Evidence-based design framework for inclusive, adaptive home environments [1]
AARP HomeFit Guide Practical guide and checklists for home modifications and safety [2]
AARP Livability Index Online tool for assessing community age-friendliness [3]
AARP Home & Community Preferences Survey National survey data on aging in place needs [4]
NAHB/AARP CAPS Program Professional certification for home assessment and modification [5][6][7]
AOTA OT Home Health Evaluation Checklist Structured checklist for OT-led home assessments [8]
USC/NCOA Home Assessment Tools Inventory Validated tools for professionals and self-assessment [9]
Flinders University Digital Self-Assessment Tool Validated digital tool for self-guided home assessment [10]
Michigan SAC State Resource Guide State-level checklists and planning resources [11]
Florencia Domínguez
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