As we continue our “Home Sweet Home” blog series, we’re turning our attention to one of the most important—and notoriously hazardous—spaces in the home: the bathroom.
While it may be among the smallest rooms in your house, the bathroom carries some of the biggest safety risks for older adults. Between slippery surfaces, limited space, and hard, unforgiving fixtures, the bathroom can pose serious challenges for anyone facing changes in balance, mobility, or strength.
A fall in the bathroom can be particularly dangerous for these reasons. And, with falls being the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 and older,1 it’s important to address the risk factors in your space before they become responsible for any harm.
But, there’s good news: you don’t need to take on a full-scale remodel to make your space suitable for aging in place. With thoughtful updates—big or small—you can transform your bathroom into a safer, more accessible retreat that supports your needs now and well into the future.
Much like the living room and the kitchen, you can implement whichever revamps make the most sense for your space and your goals.
6 Changes That Boost Bathroom Safety and Comfort
Here are six impactful ways to make your bathroom more aging-in-place friendly—without sacrificing style or comfort:
- Install Grab Bars That Blend In: Grab bars are one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of falls—but that doesn’t mean they need to look bulky or institutional. Today’s options include sleek, stylish designs that blend seamlessly with your décor. Consider placing them near the toilet, inside the shower, and by the bathtub for extra stability where it counts most. Look for models that double as towel racks or shelving to maximize function while maintaining the existing aesthetic of the room.
- Reduce Risk in the Shower: Eliminate tripping hazards by opting for a barrier-free, curbless shower design. This works well in combination with a sliding door—or no door at all—to give you ease of accessibility in tight spaces. And, this ensures you can still get in easily if you’re using a wheelchair or walker. Other options include adding a built-in bench and handheld showerhead to minimize physical strain and exertion. If a full shower replacement isn’t in the budget, consider a tub cut-out conversion to reduce step-in height at a lower cost.
- Light It Right: Dim or shadowy lighting can increase the risk of trips and slips, especially during nighttime trips to the bathroom. Brighten up the room with layered lighting: overhead lights, wall sconces near the mirror, and motion-activated night lights can help improve visibility at all hours.
- Upgrade the Toilet: Standard toilets can be uncomfortably low and difficult to rise from if you’re facing mobility constraints. Installing an ADA-compliant comfort height (also known as chair height) toilet can make sitting and standing easier on the knees and back. You can also opt for a raised toilet seat attachment with armrests for a more budget-friendly fix.
- Rethink Your Flooring: With water spilling over from the showers, baths, or sinks, slippery floors are one of the top bathroom hazards. Non-slip vinyl, textured tile, or rubber flooring can offer better traction than traditional ceramic tile. For a lower-effort fix, opt for low-profile bathmats that can be secured with rubber backings to ensure they lie flat in an effort to minimize tripping hazards. If you use a shower mat, make sure it’s firmly anchored or suction-cupped to the floor.
- Add Assistive Devices: Implementing smart technology in the bathroom is a smart way to discreetly enhance the safety of a small space. A hands-free or motion-activated faucet makes washing up easier—and reduces the risk of accidentally scalding water. Another helpful use of technology is a bathroom intercom or alert system.² Whether you live alone or with loved ones, these smart additions offer an easy way to call for help if needed, offering peace of mind without being intrusive.
Leveraging Home Equity for Home Upgrades
If you’re considering tapping into your home equity to support aging-in-place improvements, you’re not alone. Many older adults are turning to their home equity to fund aging-in-place renovations—from the bathroom and beyond—that help maintain comfort, independence, and peace of mind.
Longbridge Financial offers HELOC For Seniors™, a home equity line of credit designed specifically for older adults. This loan offers lower, interest-only payments for the life of the loan (as long as you meet your loan obligations, keeping up with property taxes, insurance, and maintenance), as well as other features tailored specifically to the financial needs of older borrowers. With funding available in as few as 5 business days3 and an open-ended line of credit you can repay and redraw from,4 this flexible option can be used to fund home upgrades in stages, so you can make improvements on your timeline and on your terms.
A reverse mortgage is another solution that allows you to tap into a portion of your home’s value. And with this option, you don’t have to make monthly mortgage payments.5 Accessible to homeowners ages 62 and older, the funds from your reverse mortgage can be used however you choose—including home renovations, implementing smart tech, taking long-awaited vacations, or simply helping cover your day-to-day expenses.
Aging in Place Is a Powerful Investment
Opting for safety upgrades isn’t just about reducing risks—it’s about increasing your confidence in the home you love and care for. When you make your home aging-friendly, you can maintain your independence longer and enjoy your retirement to the fullest.
At Longbridge Financial, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about how best to use your home equity. Our team will take the time to understand your unique circumstances and help you explore your options with clarity and care. No pressure, no obligation—just clear guidance so you can make a choice that’s right for you.
Ready to get started? Contact the Longbridge team today to learn how your home’s equity can help you live more safely, comfortably, and confidently—right where you are.
Up next in our “Home Sweet Home” series: the bedroom! Discover practical upgrades that can turn your bedroom into the safe, peaceful retreat that you deserve. And, with the help of home equity solutions, making these changes may be more affordable than you think!
