Home should be a place of peace - not a place of worry. For many older adults across Tennessee, a few thoughtful remodeling decisions can make all the difference in staying independent and safe. Whether you're planning a renovation for yourself or a loved one in Crossville, Cookeville, Oak Ridge, or nearby, here’s how to create a senior-friendly home that feels just as inviting as it is functional.
Aging in place is not just a trend - it’s a long-term lifestyle choice. And it starts with good planning. At Innovative Baths, we specialize in helping Tennessee families transform their homes into safe havens for aging comfortably. Here are some of the most valuable remodeling tips based on what we’ve seen work best in homes throughout our service area.
How can I make my home safer for aging in place?
1. Focus on the Bathroom First
More accidents happen in the bathroom than any other room. Consider replacing an old tub with a low-entry shower, adding a handheld showerhead, slip-resistant tile, and built-in bench seating. It’s the #1 room we recommend upgrading first—and we’ve done hundreds of these bathroom remodels in homes from Sparta to Kingston. These upgrades not only reduce injury risk but can also increase resale value.
2. Create Open, Navigable Spaces
Remove unnecessary clutter or furniture that might impede walking. If remodeling, consider open layouts with wide walkways and minimal barriers. Homeowners in White and Overton Counties have found that open layouts make day-to-day movement much safer. This is especially important for seniors using mobility aids, who benefit from smooth, straight paths through the house.
3. Bring Safety Into the Kitchen
Pull-out shelves, under-cabinet lighting, and countertop microwaves make kitchens more accessible. Rounded counter edges and anti-slip mats help prevent injury. These upgrades are ideal for aging residents in rural areas like Fentress County where emergency response may take longer. Replacing outdated appliances with easy-to-use models with large displays is another popular upgrade.
4. Choose the Right Height
Adjust counter heights, toilets, and seating to accommodate comfort and reduce strain. A comfort-height toilet or raised dishwasher can make a big difference—especially for seniors remodeling in Livingston or Algood. Customizing to the user’s needs—whether seated cooking stations or stair lifts—adds huge value to quality of life.
5. Think About the Future
Even if mobility isn’t currently an issue, remodeling with grab bar blocking, wide doorways, and non-slip flooring now can save time and money later. It’s always easier to plan ahead than remodel in a rush after an accident—and we help Tennessee seniors do just that. We often pre-frame walls for future grab bar installations, install extra lighting, and lay flooring with long-term durability in mind. Accessible bathroom remodeling is the name of the game!
6. Update the Laundry Area
Front-load washers and dryers with pedestal bases reduce bending and reaching. Relocating the laundry area to the main floor helps avoid stair use. We've completed many of these projects for homeowners in Crossville and beyond, creating easier routines for daily living.
7. Install Visual and Audible Alerts
For seniors with hearing or vision loss, adding smoke alarms with flashing lights or bed-shaking devices, and doorbells with amplified chimes can increase awareness in emergencies. These thoughtful touches can be the difference between reacting in time—or not.
8. Set Up a Safer Entry System
Keyless locks, smart doorbells, and video intercoms give seniors the power to see who’s at the door without rushing to answer it. Paired with ramps and wider entryways, the entry system can be both secure and accessible.
Get a Senior-Friendly Remodel in Central Tennessee!
If you're planning updates to make your home more senior-friendly, let’s talk. Josiah Kessie and the team at Innovative Baths help Tennessee families age in place with dignity and safety. Schedule a free consultation and let’s design a remodel that works now—and for years to come.
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