The Complete Colorado Aging in Place Checklist

Nine out of ten adults over 65 say they want to remain in their own home as they age. In Colorado, with its active outdoor culture and strong community ties, that desire is even more pronounced.

But wanting to age in place and being prepared for it are two different things. The families we work with who do it successfully share one thing in common: they planned ahead.

This checklist covers every dimension of aging in place — from physical safety to legal preparation to building the right support team. You do not need to complete everything at once. Start with the sections most relevant to your situation and work through the rest over time.

Quick Answer: Successful aging in place requires preparation in five areas: home safety modifications, healthcare planning, legal and financial readiness, social connection, and a care support system. The most critical step most families skip is establishing professional care relationships before a crisis — not after.

Home Safety Checklist

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in adults over 65. Most falls happen at home, and most are preventable. For a detailed guide to home modifications, read our Home Safety Modifications for Aging in Place article.

Bathroom (highest-risk area)

• [ ] Install grab bars in shower/tub and next to toilet
• [ ] Add non-slip mats or adhesive strips in shower/tub and on bathroom floor
• [ ] Consider a walk-in shower conversion (eliminates stepping over tub edge)
• [ ] Install a raised toilet seat if getting up is difficult
• [ ] Add a shower chair or bench for seated bathing
• [ ] Ensure adequate lighting — add nightlights for nighttime trips
• [ ] Check that water heater is set to 120°F or below to prevent burns

Bedroom

• [ ] Ensure the bed is at a height that is easy to get in and out of
• [ ] Place a lamp within arm's reach that is easy to operate
• [ ] Install a nightlight on the path to the bathroom
• [ ] Remove loose rugs and cords that could cause tripping
• [ ] Consider a bed rail if there is a fall risk during sleep
• [ ] Keep a phone and emergency contact list on the nightstand

Kitchen

• [ ] Move frequently used items to accessible heights (waist to shoulder level)
• [ ] Install lever-style faucet handles (easier than knobs)
• [ ] Add task lighting under cabinets for better visibility
• [ ] Consider a stove with automatic shut-off or a stove guard device
• [ ] Replace step stools with a stable, wide-base reaching tool
• [ ] Check that fire extinguisher is accessible and not expired

Throughout the home

• [ ] Remove all throw rugs or secure them with non-slip backing
• [ ] Ensure all stairways have secure handrails on both sides
• [ ] Improve lighting in all hallways, stairways, and entry points
• [ ] Remove clutter from walkways and doorways
• [ ] Secure all electrical cords along walls, not across walkways
• [ ] Install lever-style door handles (easier than round knobs)
• [ ] Add non-slip stair treads to all stairs
• [ ] Verify that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work and are current

Entrance and exterior

• [ ] Ensure exterior walkways are well-lit
• [ ] Repair any cracked or uneven sidewalks
• [ ] Add handrails to porch steps and entry stairs
• [ ] Consider a ramp if steps become difficult (Colorado winters make this especially important)
• [ ] Install a lockbox for emergency key access
• [ ] Clear ice and snow promptly from all walkways (hire a service if needed)

Healthcare Planning Checklist

Establish your medical team

• [ ] Identify a primary care physician who focuses on geriatric or senior care
• [ ] Compile a complete, current medication list with dosages, prescribing doctors, and pharmacy information
• [ ] Schedule a medication review with the pharmacist (look for dangerous interactions)
• [ ] Get a comprehensive vision and hearing check (sensory decline increases fall and isolation risk)
• [ ] Schedule a dental checkup (oral health impacts nutrition and overall health)
• [ ] Discuss driving safety with the doctor if there are any concerns

Health monitoring at home

• [ ] Set up a medication management system (pill organizer, automated dispenser, or app reminders)
• [ ] Purchase a blood pressure monitor for home use if relevant
• [ ] Consider a medical alert system (pendant or wristband with fall detection)
• [ ] Establish a daily check-in system with family or a neighbor
• [ ] Create a health information binder: medication list, doctor contacts, allergies, diagnoses, insurance cards

Colorado-specific healthcare resources

• [ ] Register with Colorado 211 for referrals to aging services (dial 2-1-1)
• [ ] Contact your regional Area Agency on Aging for local programs
• [ ] Explore Medicaid HCBS programs if income qualifies
• [ ] If a veteran, investigate VA home care benefits
• [ ] Review insurance coverage options for home care

Legal and Financial Checklist

Essential legal documents

• [ ] Durable Power of Attorney — designates someone to make financial decisions if you cannot
• [ ] Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy) — designates someone to make medical decisions
• [ ] Advance Directive / Living Will — documents your wishes for medical treatment
• [ ] HIPAA Authorization — allows designated family members to access medical information
• [ ] Will — current and reflecting current wishes
• [ ] Trust (if applicable) — especially important for Medicaid planning and estate protection

If these documents are not in place, consult a Colorado elder law attorney. The Colorado Bar Association offers referrals at cobar.org.

Financial preparation

• [ ] Assess monthly income vs. potential care costs (see our cost guide)
• [ ] Review long-term care insurance policies — understand what they cover and how to file claims
• [ ] Explore reverse mortgage options if appropriate (consult a HUD-approved counselor first)
• [ ] Set up automatic bill payment for essential services
• [ ] Consider a joint bank account or financial power of attorney for a trusted family member
• [ ] Investigate property tax exemptions for seniors in your Colorado county

Fraud prevention

• [ ] Register on the National Do Not Call Registry
• [ ] Set up credit monitoring or a credit freeze
• [ ] Establish a system where a trusted person reviews financial statements monthly
• [ ] Discuss common scams targeting seniors (IRS impersonation, grandchild emergencies, tech support scams)

Social Connection Checklist

Isolation is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to research from the Surgeon General. Maintaining social connections is not optional — it is a health imperative.

• [ ] Identify 2-3 people who check in regularly (phone, text, or visit)
• [ ] Maintain at least one regular social activity outside the home (church, club, class, volunteer work)
• [ ] Set up video calling capability for connecting with distant family
• [ ] Explore local senior center programs (most Colorado communities have active senior centers)
• [ ] Consider volunteer opportunities that match abilities and interests
• [ ] If driving becomes difficult, establish reliable transportation (RTD Access-a-Ride, senior transportation programs, or home care provider transportation)
• [ ] Discuss pet ownership — pets provide companionship and routine

Colorado community resources

• Denver: Denver Human Services Senior Services, Denver Regional Council of Governments
• Boulder: Boulder County Area Agency on Aging
• Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging
• Statewide: Colorado Senior Lobby, Senior Planet Colorado (free technology classes)

Care Support System Checklist

Building your care team

• [ ] Identify family members who can provide regular support and their specific roles
• [ ] Research home care agencies before you need one — having an established relationship matters
• [ ] Schedule a free consultation with a home care agency to understand options and costs
• [ ] Identify a trusted neighbor or friend who can respond in emergencies
• [ ] Establish relationships with local services: pharmacy delivery, grocery delivery, lawn care, snow removal

Planning for escalation

Care needs increase over time. Plan for how to respond:

• [ ] Discuss with family: what is the trigger for increasing professional care hours?
• [ ] Understand the difference between home care and home health
• [ ] Know the signs that home care is needed
• [ ] Have a plan for overnight care if nighttime safety becomes a concern
• [ ] Discuss preferences for future care if aging in place is no longer possible (assisted living, memory care, family member's home)

Technology for aging in place

• [ ] Medical alert system with fall detection
• [ ] Smart home devices: voice-activated assistants for reminders, lights, and communication
• [ ] Video doorbell for screening visitors
• [ ] Automated medication dispenser
• [ ] GPS tracking device if wandering is a concern

Getting Started

You do not need to check every box today. Start with the areas that feel most urgent — usually home safety and legal documents — and work through the rest over the coming months.

If you want help evaluating your situation, Colorado CareAssist offers free in-home consultations. We assess the home environment, discuss care needs, and help families build a plan — even if professional care is not needed right away.

Request a consultation or call (303) 757-1777. Planning ahead is the best thing you can do for your future self.