Aging in place is about more than just staying home—it's about staying safe, comfortable, and independent in the space you love. Whether you're a senior planning for the future or a homeowner in Crossville, Cookeville, or the greater Middle and East Tennessee area helping a parent make wise changes, these key home modifications can make everyday living easier and reduce the risk of injury. At Innovative Home Services, we’ve helped countless families throughout Tennessee make their homes and bathroom remodels more functional for the long haul. Here's where to start.
Senior Friendly Home Upgrades
1. Replace Tubs with Walk-In Showers and Tubs
Stepping over a high tub wall can be a major fall hazard. A low-threshold or walk-in shower with built-in seating, grab bars, and slip-resistant floors is a safer, more comfortable upgrade. Homeowners in Cookeville and Sparta are increasingly choosing walk-in tubs for aging in place because they provide both safety and a spa-like experience. With professional installation and ADA-compliant features, these showers can transform daily routines into safer, more relaxing moments.
2. Add Grab Bars and Handrails
Bathrooms, hallways, and stairways are prime areas for slips and falls. Secure grab bars provide balance support where it's needed most. In homes throughout Livingston and Jamestown, we’ve helped families add beautiful, non-intrusive bathroom accessories that blend in with their design. Choose from modern finishes like brushed nickel or matte black to complement your décor while still providing vital support.
3. Improve Lighting Throughout the Home
A well-lit home helps prevent tripping and improves visibility for daily tasks. Install brighter bulbs, motion-sensor lights, and add lighting to stairways and hallways for extra safety. This is especially important in homes with multiple levels, like those in Oak Ridge and Kingston. Under-cabinet lights in the kitchen, night lights in bathrooms, and pathway lighting along hallways are all smart additions to improve visibility for seniors with changing vision.
4. Widen Doorways and Remove Thresholds
Walkers and wheelchairs need room to move. Consider widening narrow doorways and removing raised thresholds to create smoother, safer transitions from room to room. We’ve helped many clients in Fentress and Putnam Counties make their homes more accessible. This upgrade is especially important for homes built before the 1980s, which often have tighter doorways and entry points.
5. Update Flooring for Slip Resistance
Old carpets, slick hardwood, or throw rugs can all increase fall risk. Upgrade to non-slip flooring options such as textured vinyl or rubber, and remove any loose rugs. Safety flooring is a popular upgrade in homes throughout the Cumberland Plateau. Look for flooring rated for wet and dry slip resistance to cover bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
6. Install Lever Handles Instead of Knobs
Lever-style handles are easier to use for seniors with arthritis or limited grip strength. They can be installed on doors, faucets, and cabinets for ease of use and are a smart upgrade for homeowners in Crossville looking to age in place. Many newer models come with antimicrobial coatings as well, promoting better hygiene in shared living spaces.
7. Consider a Bedroom on the Main Level
If stairs are becoming difficult, converting a room on the first floor into a bedroom can provide greater accessibility and comfort. We’ve worked with many families in Roane County to create safe, accessible main-level sleeping spaces. Pair this with a nearby full bathroom or powder room conversion, and the home becomes easier to navigate 24/7.
8. Upgrade Entryways with Ramps and Railings
For seniors with mobility challenges, even a single step into the home can be a barrier. Adding an ADA-compliant ramp with sturdy railings ensures safe access to the front door, garage, or porch. In areas like Kingston and Algood, we’ve installed dozens of entry ramps that blend beautifully into the home's exterior design.
9. Add Smart Home Technology
Technology can support safety, too. Voice-controlled lighting, video doorbells, and emergency alert systems can give seniors and their families peace of mind. These are increasingly popular in both urban and rural Tennessee homes.
10. Customize for Comfort
At the end of the day, it’s about comfort as much as safety. From heated bathroom floors to custom-height vanities, we work with homeowners across the region to design upgrades that feel just as good as they function.
Senior Friendly Home Renovations with Innovative Home Services
Looking to make your home safer for aging in place in Middle or East Tennessee? At Innovative Home Services, we specialize in remodels that combine safety, comfort, and style. Call Josiah Kessie and the team today—we’ll help you plan the perfect improvements for peace of mind at home.
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