Aging in Place or Time to Move? How a Real Estate Expert Can Help You Make the Right Call

One of the most important — and emotionally charged — decisions families face is determining whether an aging parent can safely stay in their current home or if it’s time to consider a move. As a real estate professional with a background in social work and certifications in senior-focused real estate (SRES® and CSA®), I bring more than just market knowledge — I bring compassion, experience, and the ability to help you look at the full picture.

Let’s break down how I can help you assess a home’s suitability for aging in place and what to consider before making any major decisions.

Is the Home Set Up for Long-Term Living?

Most homes weren’t designed with aging in mind. But with the right modifications, many can be made safer and more comfortable. When I tour a home with clients considering aging in place — either for themselves or a loved one — I look beyond the aesthetics and into the functionality of the space.

Here’s what we assess together:

Key Considerations for Aging in Place

1. First-Floor Living Potential

• Is there a room on the first floor that could be converted into a bedroom?
• Is there a full bathroom on the main level — or space to create one — in case stairs become a barrier?

2. Laundry Access

• Is the washer and dryer on the first floor or in the basement?
• If it’s downstairs, can plumbing or electric be brought upstairs to create a stackable unit or laundry nook?

3. Stair Navigation

• Are the stairs wide enough to accommodate a stair lift if needed in the future?
• Is there a no-step entry into the home or garage, or would a ramp need to be added?

4. Kitchen Accessibility

• Are cabinets and appliances within reach from a seated or standing position with limited mobility?
• Could modifications (like pull-out shelves or lever handles) make the kitchen more user-friendly?

5. Lighting & Flooring

• Are hallways and stairwells well-lit?
• Are there tripping hazards such as thick rugs, uneven thresholds, or slick floors?

6. Bathroom Safety (and Beyond)

• Walk-in showers, grab bars, and raised toilets are a great start.
• Is there enough space to navigate with a walker or wheelchair?
• Could the bathroom be remodeled to include a roll-in shower or bench seating?

Thinking Long-Term: Cost vs. Comfort

Sometimes, modifications are a smart investment that allow your loved one to remain in the home they love — safely and with dignity. Other times, the financial and physical limitations of the home may point to a better option: downsizing, relocating to a more accessible property, or moving closer to family or care.

This is where I can help:

How I Support Families in Transition

As your real estate advocate, I’ll:

• Walk through the home with a senior-focused lens
• Identify opportunities (and limitations) for aging-in-place modifications
• Connect you with trusted contractors or aging-in-place specialists
• Provide market insight if selling and downsizing becomes the best option
• Help locate a new home that better fits long-term needs — whether it’s a ranch home, condo with elevator access, or senior community

I’ll also help you navigate the emotional side of the transition — whether your parent is deeply attached to their home, overwhelmed by change, or struggling to accept their changing needs. With my background in social work and real estate, I understand how to support both the practical and personal sides of this process.

Final Thoughts

Every family — and every home — is different. The goal isn’t just to stay in place, it’s to stay safely, comfortably, and confidently. Whether you need help evaluating your loved one’s current home or exploring better-fit options, I’m here to guide you with empathy, expertise, and your family’s best interest at heart.

Thinking about what’s next for your parent — or for yourself? Let’s start with a conversation.

Content provided by Women Belong member Staci Yesner