At Northwood Construction, we’ve seen firsthand how more older adults are choosing to stay in their own homes as they age—a choice known as aging in place. According to AARP’s 2024 Home & Community Preferences survey, 75% of adults aged 50 and older say they want to remain in their current home for as long as possible. With thoughtful planning, the right aging-in-place products can support this lifestyle by enhancing safety, independence, and daily comfort—without making your home feel like a hospital.
Whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one, the market now offers a wide variety of solutions that go far beyond traditional medical equipment. Here’s a closer look at the types of products we often use in our aging-in-place remodeling projects that can make a real difference in everyday comfort and accessibility.
Aging in Place Bathroom Products That Prioritize Safety and Dignity
Bathroom modifications are often the first step in creating a home that supports independent living. It’s also one of the highest-risk areas in the house for serious injuries. According to the CDC, over 234,000 nonfatal bathroom injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year, and 81% of those injuries are caused by falls. What’s more, falls in the bathroom are 2.4 times more likely to result in injury than falls in living rooms.
That’s why incorporating thoughtful safety features in the bathroom is so important. Fortunately, today’s aging-in-place products are more attractive—and more effective—than ever.
Support That Doesn’t Look Institutional
Many safety features now come in styles that resemble high-end bath accessories more than assistive devices. Northwood Construction often recommends solutions like the Invisia Collection by HealthCraft for homeowners who want safety without compromising style. Some of their products include:
- A stylish Serena Seat that folds down securely when needed
- A soap dish and shampoo shelf that double as discreet grab bars
- A shower slide bar that also supports body weight for stability
- Washlet seats are helpful in cleaning when mobility is limited. Many models come with integrated controls or even remotes.
💡 Pro Tip: A fold-down seat can be a valuable feature beyond the shower itself. In some designs, we’ve incorporated similar benches just outside the shower to provide a sturdy spot for drying off, putting on shoes, or completing personal care routines. These seats can also be helpful near the toilet area, offering a convenient perch for a caregiver assisting a family member, without taking up permanent floor space.
Smart Lighting and Subtle Signals
Small upgrades, such as toe-kick night lights and occupancy sensors, add significant value. When connected to motion sensors, these night lights guide safe nighttime trips to the bathroom, especially helpful for those managing low vision or hearing loss.
Bath fan timers are impactful, too. They are a valuable tool since you can set and forget about them. Loved ones who are forgetful or family members who take hot, steamy showers can benefit from a timer. They will automatically shut off the exhaust fan after a certain amount of time.
Washlet® seat models can also feature integrated night light options. Most models feature motion sensors to illuminate the bowl, providing extra visual assistance.
Thoughtful Structural Changes
If you’re remodeling or updating, don’t overlook the foundation behind the walls. Installing proper blocking allows for the future addition of grab bars or shower seats. Even if you don’t need them now, planning ahead creates flexibility.
Other important upgrades include:
- Fold-down grab bars near the toilet
- Comfort-height toilets with space for wheelchair or walker access
- Barrier-free showers or walk-in tubs that eliminate high thresholds
- Slip-resistant tile that reduces the risk of falls
- Larger, out-swing doors for the bathroom entrance.
- Shower curtain installations for enhanced access in smaller bathrooms
Looking for bathroom design ideas? See our Aging in Place Bathroom Design article for inspiration.
Aging in Place for the Kitchen: Accessibility Without Compromise
The kitchen is the hub of daily life, and it should remain functional and safe as your needs change. Aging-in-place kitchen products make everyday tasks easier, whether you’re standing or in a seated position, managing mobility issues, or cooking alongside family members.
Accessible Storage and Cabinets
Retrieving pots, pans, and dishes shouldn’t require bending or straining. Products like Rev-A-Shelf and Häfele pull-down systems make upper cabinets more accessible, while pull-out shelves, full-extension drawers, and Lazy Susans simplify lower cabinet storage.
Spring-loaded hanging rods in pantries or closets are another example of clever, easy-access storage that accommodates aging in place.
Appliance and Fixture Upgrades
Today’s appliances cater to universal design—meaning they are designed to work for all users, regardless of age or ability. Great options include:
- Microwave drawers instead of over-the-range models
- French-door ovens that eliminate leaning over a hot door
- Front-control induction cooktops that are cool to the touch and reduce burn risk
- Drawer-style dishwashers for easier loading and unloading
- Pull style hardware on base, wall, and utility cabinets
- At the sink, a touch-activated faucet, pull-out sprayer, or air switch garbage disposal improves both safety and convenience
Lighting and Controls
Good lighting reduces eye strain and improves visibility during daily tasks. Consider:
- Motion-activated lights under cabinets and in toe-kicks
- Dimmers to adjust brightness as needed
- Smart bulbs controlled by smartphone, Google Nest, or voice assistant
For more kitchen-specific solutions, explore our Aging in Place Kitchen Design article.
Aging in Place Home Modifications: Whole-Home Product Solutions
Aging in place isn’t limited to the kitchen and bathroom. Whole-home modifications ensure that the entire living environment supports mobility aids, aging needs, and long-term safety, while maintaining your home’s comfort and familiarity.
Improving Mobility and Access
Navigating your home shouldn’t be a challenge. Depending on your layout and mobility, consider:
- Double stair handrails
- Chair lifts or Stairlifts
- Home elevators for multi-story houses
- Wheelchair ramps and flush thresholds
- Widened doorways
- Open concept floor plans
In certain homes, stairs can become a major barrier to long-term mobility. At Northwood Construction, we recently worked with a multigenerational family in Great Falls to solve this challenge by incorporating a compact residential elevator as part of a larger aging-in-place addition. The result was a seamless, accessible connection between floors, giving the parents a private suite and the entire family greater peace of mind. You can see more of this thoughtful design in our project portfolio.
Entryways and Smart Security
Getting in and out of your home should be seamless. Remote-controlled doors, lever-style handles, and combo locks are ideal for people with arthritis or reduced hand strength.
Pair these with a video doorbell system, such as Ring or SimpliSafe, for added peace of mind. These systems are beneficial for family members or home care providers monitoring older adults remotely.
Whole-Home Lighting and Visibility
Throughout the house, good lighting plays a vital role. Install:
- Occupancy sensors in hallways and bedrooms
- Motion-sensor lights inside closets and near steps
- Easy-to-reach light switches or smart home integrations
- Well-placed exterior lighting to illuminate walkways, porches, and entry areas for safer navigation after dark
Bedroom Products for Comfort and Independence
- Adjustable beds help with circulation and comfort
- Bed rails or under-mattress grab bars assist with getting in and out
- Smartwatches and emergency alert systems provide medication reminders and health monitoring features like heart rate, blood pressure, and fall detection
Combined with occupational therapist recommendations, these tools can support more effective long-term care at home.
Want to see a full aging in place home in action? Read our Tour of an Aging in Place Home article for real-world ideas.
Choosing the Right Aging in Place Products for Your Needs
Every homeowner’s situation is unique. The best aging in place solutions often start small—with safety devices, night lights, or grab bars—and grow to include more comprehensive changes such as kitchen remodeling, home elevators, or smart tech upgrades.
When planning updates, consider:
- Prioritizing daily activities that are becoming more difficult
- Involving your primary care provider and/or occupational therapist if you have specific health issues or chronic conditions
- Choosing a certified Aging in Place specialist (CAPS), like Bob Benedict with Northwood Construction (and Whitney and Tran actively working toward certification), to help guide your renovation
These professionals can help evaluate your current home and recommend modifications tailored to your specific goals, lifestyle, and health needs.
A Familiar Environment That Supports the Future
The decision to remain in your home as you age isn’t just about convenience—it’s about maintaining your mental health, staying connected to your community, and reducing the stress and cost associated with moving to an assisted living facility.
Research shows that older adults who remain in a familiar environment experience better outcomes. They’re less likely to face depression, cognitive decline, or social isolation—all of which can significantly impact long-term well-being. Aging in place supports not only your physical safety but also your emotional and mental well-being.
There’s also a financial case to be made. According to the 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Virginia is approximately $4,604 per month, and in Northern Virginia, prices often exceed $5,000 per month. By comparison, home modifications like grab bars, lighting upgrades, or even a residential elevator are typically one-time investments. For many homeowners, these updates pay for themselves in just a matter of months when compared to the ongoing costs of long-term care.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there is a growing list of stylish aging-in-place products designed to support your safety, confidence, and independence—on your terms.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re starting with small updates or preparing for more comprehensive care services, you don’t have to sacrifice beauty or comfort for safety. Northwood Construction’s Aging in Place Remodeling Services can help you create a home that works for you—today and into the future.