(BPT) - Staying safely in their own home as they grow older is a major concern for many Americans. In a 2012 survey by AARP, 70 percent of surveyed members said they were “extremely or very concerned about aging in place.” Even if you maintain an active lifestyle and good health, growing older often requires you to manage changes in mobility, vision and accessibility.

The bathroom is both one of the most important and riskiest rooms in the house for people aging in place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says falling in the bathroom can be particularly harmful for older people, and encourages homeowners to take steps to reduce the risk of falling in the bathroom. If you plan to live independently at home for as long as possible, making a few simple changes in the bathroom can help you do so more comfortably and safely.

Here are a handful of cost-effective changes that can help facilitate aging in place: