In this fourth installment of our “Home Sweet Home” blog series, we’re heading to the most personal room in the house: the bedroom. By taking a room-by-room approach to home modifications, you can ensure each space is tailored to support aging with dignity and ease—plus, it can help make the project feel more manageable. In the bedroom, that means creating an environment that promotes safety, accessibility, and restorative rest.
For many older adults, sleep challenges become more common with age, and quality rest is essential for maintaining your health and staying alert throughout the day.1 Add in the increased risk of falls with aging—responsible for roughly 3 million emergency room visits among older adults each year2—and the need to carefully reassess your bedroom becomes even clearer.
Why Your Bedroom Matters for Aging in Place
The bedroom plays a central role in our well-being, especially as we age. It’s where we rest, recharge, and recover—and for many, it becomes a primary living space during illness, injury, or periods of limited mobility.
But while your bedroom may feel like a haven, it can also present safety challenges if not properly outfitted for shifting needs as you age. Dim lighting, low or unstable furniture, and cluttered pathways can all contribute to a hazardous environment. And when vision or balance changes come into play, even familiar spaces can become difficult to navigate.
Thankfully, with just a few thoughtful changes, you can minimize these risks and create a bedroom that not only looks and feels good, but also supports your ability to live more safely and independently for years to come.
5 Ways to Elevate Your Bedroom
Here’s our roundup of ways you can turn your bedroom into a safe, functional retreat that grows with your changing needs:
- Invest in an Adjustable Bed For aging in place, an electric adjustable bed is a smart investment. It lets you fine-tune the height and angle of your sleep surface—making it easier to get in and out of bed, reduce pressure on joints, and find a comfortable position for rest or recovery. Look for models with bed rails for added safety, and built-in storage pockets and pull-out trays for keeping essentials close at hand so you can limit the need to get up. If a new adjustable bed isn’t in the budget, there are still cost-effective ways to optimize your setup. Aim for a bed height between 20 and 23 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress—roughly knee level for most adults.3 This range supports safer transfers and helps prevent falls, especially for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. 3
- Make Movement Safer with Grab Bars and Clear Pathways
Safe movement is essential in the bedroom—especially during the night or for those using mobility aids. Installing subtle grab bars near the bed or any seating options in the room can offer extra support when sitting, standing, or shifting positions. To increase the ease of moving around, it’s just as important to maintain a clear, clutter-free layout. Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, trailing cords, and excess furniture. Any frequented pathways in your room should be at least 36 inches wide to safely accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, or assistance from a caregiver—meeting ADA accessibility recommendations.⁴ For extra security moving around, you can lay down flat non-slip pads in high-traffic areas. - Layer Your Lighting
Good lighting is one of the simplest ways to reduce fall risks in the bedroom. A layered approach works best—combine overhead lighting with bedside lamps, wall sconces, or plug-in nightlights to improve visibility at all times of day. Motion-sensor floor lights can be especially helpful for safe nighttime trips to the bathroom, lighting your path automatically when you step out of bed. Don’t overlook the closet, either. Dark or shadowy spaces can pose risks, especially during early mornings or evenings. Battery-operated LED lights or motion-activated strips inside closets make it easier—and safer—to find what you need, without straining or fumbling in the dark. - Choose Smart, Sturdy Storage Solutions
Keeping everyday items within reach is key to maintaining independence. Replace high closet shelves with pull-down racks, and store frequently used items in bins or drawers at waist height. A sturdy dresser with large, lever-style handles can make opening and closing drawers more manageable for those with arthritis or reduced hand strength.5
Furniture stability also matters. Tall pieces like bookshelves and wardrobes should be securely anchored to the wall to prevent tipping—especially if you may use them for balance.Nightstands must be stable enough to support your weight if leaned on, and for smart use, should be organized to offer quick access to any items you find yourself constantly reaching for. Storage benches placed at the foot of the bed can also serve dual purposes: you can keep bedroom essentials handy while also offering a solid spot to sit when dressing. - Incorporate Technology for Convenience and Peace of Mind
Smart technology can enhance safety and comfort in the bedroom without being intrusive on your design style. Voice assistants make it easy to control lights, play music, or set medication reminders—all hands-free. Another good use of tech in the bedroom is for temperature regulation, a feature that becomes more important with age. A wall-mounted thermostat, remote-controlled fan, or voice-activated climate system can you help maintain a comfortable sleep environment without the need to get out of bed. Additionally, keeping emergency contact systems—such as a phone with preprogrammed contacts or an emergency alert button—right by your bed adds an extra layer of convenience and security.
Making Home Updates More Affordable with Home Equity
As with any home improvement project, funding can be a concern—but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. Many older adults are turning to home equity as a resource to support upgrades that make aging in place not only possible, but natural and relaxing.
A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), allows homeowners aged 62 and older to tap into a portion of their home’s value and convert it into cash—with no monthly mortgage payments required (as long as you continue to meet the loan requirements, including property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance).
Another financing option is HELOC for Seniors®, Longbridge Financial’s home equity line of credit (HELOC) designed specifically for older adults. Unlike traditional bank HELOCs, which can lead to sudden, sometimes unaffordable increases, HELOC For Seniors® has reduced, interest-only payments for the life of the loan.6 Furthermore, with an open-ended line of credit you can repay and redraw from,7 this flexible option can be used to fund home upgrades in multiple stages, allowing you to take control of the project on your own terms.
While both of these options are great for providing the backing you need to take on home modifications, you can use the funds however you wish. This includes offsetting healthcare costs, setting aside a safety net, helping fund your bucket-list activities, or boosting your everyday spending power.
Investing in Your Future—Right From Home
Creating a safe and supportive bedroom is more than just a comfort—it’s a key investment in your health, confidence, and long-term independence. Whether you’re planning ahead or updating your home in response to new needs, every improvement brings you one step closer to aging in place with ease.
At Longbridge Financial, we’re committed to helping you understand your options for leveraging home equity—so you can focus on living fully, right where you are. Contact the Longbridge team today to learn more!
Up next in our “Home Sweet Home” series: we’re heading to the entryway. Discover smart upgrades that make your entrances safer, more accessible, and welcoming—not just for you, but for everyone who visits your home.