Aging Well: Real Estate Options for Seniors & Their Families

Tom Andre, Assoc. Broker, REALTOR®
Feb 8
4 min read

As a former practicing counselor (Psychotherapist) in Georgia, I’ve seen firsthand how emotionally draining and logistically challenging it can be for families navigating decisions involving aging parents and loved ones.

Now, as a full-time real estate broker, I still see it often. With the aging baby boomer population, it is a reality that is already here or coming fast. Not just for them alone, but also for their loved ones.

While aging-in-place is often the goal, it isn’t always the most practical or safest option once you factor in access to medical care, daily support, supervision, and opportunities for meaningful social engagement. For many families, this conversation goes well beyond housing; it’s fundamentally about quality of life for all involved.

The senior population in the United States continues to grow rapidly, and with it, the demand for thoughtful, supportive housing solutions. Assisted living communities are designed to help bridge this gap. They support residents with activities of daily living while also offering structure, community, and stimulation that contribute to physical, mental, and social well-being.

That said, choosing the right option can feel overwhelming. Costs vary widely. Levels of care differ. Payment structures aren’t always straightforward. For families looking to get grounded in the basics, the following resources offer a helpful starting point:

In other cases, assisted living may not be the right fit at all. Some seniors prefer to downsize or “right-size” into residential real estate that better supports long-term livability.

This may include single-family homes, condos, or townhomes designed and built with accessibility in mind, such as minimal or no stairs, gentle grades, wider hallways, one-level living, or elevator access.

However, there is only so much of that type of product to go around. Many of us agents know firsthand, when you have a listing that fits this criteria – who the well capitalized buyer will likely be. The aging baby boomer is, often, the answer.

With limited inventory on listings that are so highly desirable, there must be other ways to meet the needs of that thirsty market. The answer is, “Universal Design.”

Universal Design: The Professional Term That Matters

Professionals such as occupational therapists, architects, and accessibility specialists most commonly refer to these concepts as Universal Design.

Universal Design is an umbrella term used in healthcare, occupational therapy, architecture, and housing policy to describe environments that allow people of all ages, abilities, and mobility levels to live safely and independently- without the need for later modifications.

The term was formalized by architect Ronald Mace of North Carolina State University, who defined it as:

“The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” - Center for Universal Design, NC State University

Related (but Distinct) Professional Terms

Occupational therapists tend to be precise and often distinguish between several related concepts:

Accessible Design

Focuses on meeting minimum legal standards
Closely tied to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements
Common in public buildings, multi-family housing, and rentals

Examples:

32" clear door openings
ADA-compliant bathrooms
Proper ramp slope ratios

Aging-in-Place Design

Emphasizes future-proofing for declining mobility
Common in OT home assessments for seniors
Often overlaps with universal design

Examples:

Zero-step entry
First-floor primary bedroom
Lever-style door handles
Reinforced walls for future grab bars

Visit-ability

A narrower concept used in planning and zoning
Ensures a home is usable by guests with mobility limitations

Core elements:

At least one no-step entrance
Wider interior doors
Ground-level accessible bathroom

What Occupational Therapists Typically Say in Practice

In OT evaluations, you’ll often hear language such as:

“This home lacks universal design features.”
“We recommend aging-in-place modifications.”
“The space is not functionally accessible for current ADLs.”

(ADLs = Activities of Daily Living)

When documenting or advising families, Universal Design is the most widely accepted, professional, and future-proof term- especially when the goal is independent living rather than simple code compliance.

Translating This Cleanly Into Real Estate Language

For listings, reports, or client conversations, these phrases tend to resonate best:

“Universal design features throughout”
“Aging-in-place-friendly layout”
“Designed for accessibility and long-term livability”
“One-level living with universal design principles”

These decisions are rarely just "real estate" decisions - they are life-transition decisions- and they deserve clarity, patience, and good information. This is Life-Design at its best - for the later stage of life.

Do you have questions or concerns and need guidance, then please give me a call at 678-472-1934.

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