Checklist: Designing an Age-Friendly ADU

General Layout & Design

  • Single-story floor plan (no stairs)
  • Open concept for easy mobility and visibility
  • Minimum 36-inch wide doorways
  • 42-inch wide hallways
  • Adequate lighting (natural and artificial)
  • Clear, non-slip flooring throughout
  • Contrasting colors between floors/walls/fixtures (for visual clarity)

Entry & Accessibility

  • Zero-step entry with a no-threshold doorway
  • Covered entry area (to protect from weather)
  • Lever-style door handles (no knobs)
  • Peephole or video doorbell at appropriate height
  • Pathway from parking to door is smooth, wide, and well-lit

Bathroom

  • Walk-in, curbless shower with a bench
  • Hand-held showerhead with adjustable height
  • Grab bars near toilet and inside shower (securely mounted)
  • Raised toilet (17–19 inches seat height)
  • Slip-resistant flooring
  • Ample turning space for a wheelchair (5 feet diameter)

Kitchen

  • Lowered or adjustable-height countertops
  • Pull-out shelves and drawers for easy access
  • D-type (loop) cabinet handles
  • Induction cooktop (safer than gas)
  • Side-opening oven at waist height
  • Easy-access fridge with bottom freezer
  • Anti-scald devices on sink faucets

Bedroom

  • Space on both sides of bed for mobility aids
  • Closet rods and shelves within reach (36–48 inches high)
  • Emergency call button or alert system
  • Proximity to bathroom (ideally adjacent)

Living Area

  • Ample maneuvering space for walker or wheelchair
  • Easy-to-operate windows with reachable handles
  • Electrical outlets raised (18–24 inches off floor)
  • Light switches lowered (36–42 inches high)
  • Non-glare lighting with dimmer switches

Technology & Safety

  • Smoke and CO detectors with audible and visual alerts
  • Smart lighting and thermostat controls
  • Emergency alert system or wearable call button
  • Security system or camera at entry
  • Wi-Fi connectivity for telehealth and communication
  • Battery backup or generator for power outages

Outdoor Space

  • Low-maintenance landscaping
  • Raised garden beds (for seated gardening)
  • Covered outdoor seating area
  • Slip-resistant, even walkways with railings

Additional Considerations

  • Backup plan for future live-in caregiver or aide
  • Space for walker or wheelchair storage
  • Soundproofing between units (if on same lot)
  • Easy-to-read signage or room labels (if memory impairment is a concern)