4 Tips for Aging in Place Comfortably in Your Bellingham Home
For many of our treasured elders in Bellingham, the goal is simple: stay in the home you love for as long as possible. Aging in place means continuing to live independently while making thoughtful adjustments to ensure your home supports your changing needs.
Here in Whatcom County, with its strong community ties, reliable services, and walkable neighborhoods, aging in place isn’t just possible. It’s empowering.
Whether you’re planning ahead or adjusting to new needs now, here are five key tips to make the journey smoother.
1. Start with Safety
The most impactful changes are often the simplest. Have a handy-person install grab bars in the bathrooms and wherever else navigating will become tricky.
Add brighter lighting (sometimes just brighter bulbs will do) in dark hallways, and place nightlights in outlets throughout your main traffic ways.
Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, and change out longer carpets (that aren’t walker-friendly) with tighter, shorter-pile or berber carpets.
Consider upgrades like a walk-in shower, anti-slip flooring in the shower pan or tub, taller toilets that are easier to get up from, and lever-style door handles that don’t require the grip strength that knobs do.
If you need referrals to contractors or a handy-person, reach out to me. I have an up to date contact list of all the local tradespeople you may need.
You can also explore resources through the Whatcom Council on Aging (WCOA), which provides local referrals and programs that help seniors live safely at home.
2. Leverage Local Support Services
Bellingham and greater Whatcom County offer excellent resources for older adults.
Programs like Meals on Wheels, the Whatcom Council on Aging, and the Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) provide everything from transportation and home care to wellness checks and housing guidance.
Bellingham at Home is volunteer-based, non-clinical in-home care that is available to Whatcom County residents.
These services are here to help — and using them is a sign of strength, not weakness.
3. Stay Socially Engaged
Staying connected is just as important as staying safe. If you’re at least 50 years old, join the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, at just $60/year.
Once you’re a member, you can sign up for local classes, events, presentations, social mixers, dancing… or simply meet friends for a game of cards or a walk along Boulevard Park.
Social engagement supports cognitive health, emotional well-being, and a strong sense of purpose.
You can also explore other nearby Whatcom County Seniors hubs for events and activities through the Whatcom County Senior Centers directory.
4. Ask for Help When You Need It
Aging in place doesn’t mean doing everything on your own. Whether it’s help with home maintenance, yardwork, tech support, or simply having someone check in, build a network of family, neighbors, and professionals.
The Northwest Regional Council and local aging specialists can connect you with vetted caregivers and home service programs that make daily life easier.
Final Thought
Aging in place is about more than staying put. It’s about thriving in a home and community that grows with you. With a little planning and the right support, you can continue to enjoy the comfort, familiarity, and independence that make Bellingham feel like home.
Need local recommendations or help evaluating your home’s aging-in-place potential? Let’s connect. I can help you find the right balance of safety, comfort, and peace of mind, right here in Whatcom County.
