Aging in Place: Simple Home Safety Upgrades for Independent Living in St. Tammany Parish

There's something magical about coming home after a long day—the familiar creak of your front door, the way the afternoon light streams through your kitchen window, the comfort of your favorite chair. For most of us, home isn't just four walls and a roof; it's where life happens, where memories are made, and where we feel most like ourselves.

That's why it's no surprise that 75% of adults over 50 want to stay put as they age, according to a recent AARP survey from December 2024. Here in St. Tammany Parish, where summer thunderstorms roll across Lake Pontchartrain and family Sunday dinners are a sacred tradition, the idea of leaving home feels almost unthinkable. Why would you want to go anywhere else?

But here's the thing about aging in place—it's not just about stubbornly refusing to move. It's about being smart, proactive, and honest about what your home needs to keep you safe and independent for years to come.

At the Council on Aging St. Tammany (COAST), we see this every day. Through our activity centers from Covington to Slidell to Mandeville, we watch seniors thrive when they have the right support and the right environment. That's why we're passionate about helping folks make simple changes that can mean the difference between a minor stumble and a serious fall, between feeling confident and feeling anxious about everyday tasks.

With hurricane season in full swing this August 2025, there's no better time to think about making your home work harder for you. Let's talk about some practical, affordable upgrades that can transform your living space into the safe haven it should be.

Seven Game-Changing Home Safety Upgrades

1. Turn Your Bathroom Into a Fortress Against Falls

Let's be honest—bathrooms can be scary places when you're older. All that tile, the humidity that never seems to go away (thanks, Louisiana!), and those awkward moments getting in and out of the tub. Falls in the bathroom account for a huge chunk of senior injuries, but the good news is they're largely preventable.

Start with grab bars. Not the flimsy towel rack kind—we're talking about the heavy-duty ones that can hold 500 pounds and make you feel like you could pull yourself up Mount Everest if needed. Install them near the toilet and in the shower, anchored properly into wall studs. Your handyman will know what to do, or check with COAST for local referrals.

Next, tackle those slippery surfaces. Non-slip mats, adhesive strips in the tub, maybe even a shower chair if standing for long periods is getting tough. If your budget allows, consider a walk-in shower conversion—it's a bigger investment but can be life-changing. The Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Aging and Adult Services sometimes helps cover these costs for eligible low-income seniors.

Budget: $20-$200 for the basics

2. Light Up Your Life (Literally)

Remember how your grandmother always said "turn on a light"? She was onto something. Dim hallways are accident magnets, especially during those inevitable summer power outages we get around here.

Motion sensor LED bulbs are your new best friends. They'll light up automatically when you walk through at night—no fumbling for switches. Smart lighting that responds to voice commands is even better. Imagine saying "Alexa, lights on" instead of navigating a dark kitchen at 2 AM.

Don't forget under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen and bathroom. These small additions provide focused light exactly where you need it most. And here's a pro tip from someone who's lived through too many Louisiana storms: battery-powered emergency lights that kick in during blackouts are worth their weight in gold.

Budget: $50-$150 for a solid setup

3. Make Your Kitchen Your Friend Again

Your kitchen should invite you to cook, not make you feel like you're running an obstacle course. We've all seen kitchens where the good plates are on the top shelf and the heavy pots are buried in the back of bottom cabinets. Time to rethink that setup.

Move frequently used items to counter height or the first shelf you can easily reach. Those pull-out shelves and lazy Susans aren't just fancy—they bring everything within arm's reach without dangerous stretching or climbing. And while we're at it, let's talk about lever-handled faucets. If your hands aren't as nimble as they used to be, these are a game-changer.

Consider creating a seated work station if standing for meal prep is getting tough. There's no shame in adapting—there's only wisdom in making cooking enjoyable again. Plus, this ties in perfectly with maintaining good nutrition, something we emphasize a lot in our COAST meal programs.

Budget: $30-$100 for organizers and small upgrades

4. Be Hurricane-Ready (Because This is Louisiana)

We don't mess around with storm preparation here in St. Tammany Parish. From Hurricane Ida in 2021 to whatever Mother Nature might throw at us this year, being ready isn't optional—it's survival.

Your emergency kit needs to be senior-specific: non-perishable food that you can actually eat (not just whatever's on sale), a month's worth of medications, flashlights with extra batteries, a weather radio, and important phone numbers including COAST's transportation services for emergency evacuations.

Don't forget about the ongoing safety stuff either—carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms with visual alerts if your hearing isn't what it used to be. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity's Aging in Place initiative can help with weather-related home improvements, making sure your house can weather whatever storms come our way.

Budget: $50-$300 depending on how comprehensive you go

5. Embrace Smart Technology (Yes, Really!)

Before you roll your eyes and say "I'm too old for all that computer stuff," hear me out. Today's smart home devices are designed for simplicity, and they can be absolute lifesavers.

Smart plugs let you control lamps and appliances from anywhere—no more worrying if you left the coffee pot on. Video doorbells mean you can see who's at the door without getting up, which is especially helpful if mobility is a concern. Wearable alert devices can automatically call for help if you take a fall.

In our humid climate, smart thermostats aren't just convenient—they're health tools, helping maintain comfortable temperatures that reduce the risk of heat-related problems. Many of these devices are surprisingly easy to use and can make daily life significantly easier.

Budget: $100-$400 for starter packages

6. Make Coming and Going Safer

Tripping over thresholds or struggling with steep steps shouldn't be part of your daily routine. If you're using a walker or wheelchair, or might need to in the future, threshold ramps and proper handrails aren't luxuries—they're necessities.

Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide to accommodate mobility aids comfortably. It sounds like a big change, but it's often simpler than you think. Here's some good news: programs like Rebuilding Together's Safe at Home initiative specifically help seniors with these modifications, often at no cost. In flood-prone areas like parts of Slidell, these organizations have experience with the unique challenges we face.

Budget: $200-$1,000, with potential assistance available

7. Get Flooring That Works With You, Not Against You

That beautiful thick carpet might have been perfect when you were 40, but if it's now catching your walker wheels or becoming a tripping hazard, it's time to let it go. Low-pile carpets, non-slip vinyl, or textured tiles in wet areas can make moving around your home feel secure instead of scary.

This is especially important in bathrooms and kitchens where spills and condensation are facts of life. Choose moisture-resistant materials that can handle our variable Louisiana weather without becoming slip hazards.

Budget: $100-$500 for targeted areas

Getting Help When You Need It

You don't have to figure this out alone. COAST is here to help—visit our activity centers in Covington for wellness workshops, Slidell for nutrition classes, or Mandeville for social events. Many of our centers offer free home safety assessments or can connect you with trusted local installers.

The Louisiana Department of Health's OAAS provides eligibility-based modifications for qualifying seniors. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together often provide volunteer-driven help at reduced costs or even free for those who qualify.

A Real Success Story

Let me tell you about Mary, a 78-year-old from Covington who's been participating in COAST programs for years. After a minor slip during last year's particularly wet rainy season, she decided it was time to make some changes. Working with a local volunteer program, she added grab bars in her bathroom and motion-activated lights in her hallway.

"I didn't realize how much I was limiting myself," Mary told us recently. "I was avoiding having people over because I was nervous about navigating my own house. Now I feel like myself again. I hosted my entire family for Sunday dinner last month—all twelve grandchildren running around—and I felt completely confident and safe in my own space."

Mary's still in the same house she's called home for 40 years. The only difference is now her house works as hard to take care of her as she's spent decades taking care of it.

Your Home, Your Independence, Your Choice

Aging in place isn't about denial or stubbornness—it's about being smart, prepared, and proactive about creating an environment where you can thrive. These modifications aren't admissions of weakness; they're investments in your continued independence and quality of life.

The best part? Most of these changes will make your home more comfortable and functional for everyone, not just seniors. Better lighting, safer bathrooms, and organized kitchens benefit visitors of all ages.

If you're ready to start making these changes, we're here to help. Reach out to COAST to learn more about our programs, sign up for our newsletter, or find out how you can get involved in our community. Whether you need information, support, or just want to connect with others who understand the journey, we're your neighbors and we're here for you.

So, what's your first step going to be? A simple grab bar installation? Better lighting in that dim hallway? Whatever it is, remember—every small change is a step toward continued independence and peace of mind in the place you love most: home.

What modification are you most excited to try? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!